China Mobile signed a one-year framework deal with Nokia Networks valued at more than $1 billion (€930 million).

The agreement, signed yesterday by China Mobile EVP Li Huidi (pictured, right) and Nokia Networks chairman and EVP Hans-Juergen Bill, covers the supply of TD-LTE equipment, core network gear as well as software and services from Q1 of this year to early 2016.

The contract also covers voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) equipment and software.

China Mobile, the world’s largest mobile operator with 823 million connections, aims to roll out one million TD-LTE base stations by the end of the year, giving it by far the largest TD-LTE network.

The win follows strong Q3 growth in China for Nokia. It is believed to be the most successful ‘western’ vendor in the country, with domestic players Huawei and ZTE dominating operator contracts.

Nokia said in a statement that it will also support China Mobile’s move into the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem by offering connectivity for healthcare, connected cars and other IoT applications.

In addition, Nokia and China Mobile Research Institute signed an MoU to cooperate in the development of 5G.

Almost exactly a year ago the operator awarded Nokia a $970 million contract to supply TD-LTE equipment for its planned 4G network rollout.