2 January 2003 -- Dutch telecoms group KPN NV has transferred the research activities of its subsidiary KPN Valley BV at no cost to a new Dutch telecoms institute. Parts of existing institutes of Dutch unlisted research firm TNO, specialising in telecoms and ICT, will also be added.
The new institute will strengthen public and private ICT knowledge infrastructures in The Netherlands. KPN has signed a long-term commercial contract with TNO that runs until the end of 2006. Combining KPN researchers with TNO experts will create the scope to stimulate further intensification of the development of ICT knowledge in The Netherlands.
KPN says that KPN Valley's move to TNO will not have any adverse consequences for its more than 300 staff. The northern office of KPN Valley will remain in Groningen. TNO employs about 5000 staff.