Nokia and Sichuan NTC Investment Co., Ltd. Set up Strategic Cooperation to Promote China Digital TV Broadcasting Business

Nokia and NTC have signed an agreement where Nokia will deliver its Digital Multimedia Terminals to NTC broadcasting services in NTC CATV investment areas. The Nokia Mediamaster solution is based on the latest technology that will enable digital TV broadcasting and a wide variety of value added services. These services can include for example electronic newspapers, stock market information, remote education, games and home banking.

Demand for new, innovative broadcasting related services is a growing trend that is driving the market today. Interactive services are aggressively being deployed around the world and NTC CATV investment areas will be one of the leading operators and early adopters for advanced digital TV in China.

Mr. Yao Qing, President of NTC says: "The market for digital TV has huge growth potential, especially in China where DTV is expected to be one of the main Internet access devices at Home. Digital CATV broadcasting is a must. We are excited to work with an innovative and established company like Nokia, who bring a wealth of experience in this industry."

"Nokia is happy to cooperate with one of the leading operators for digital CATV and services in China," says Kimmo Paaso, General Manager, Nokia Multimedia Terminals APAC & China. "China is a very large and attractive market for advanced broadcasting services and Nokia is strongly supporting their deployment here."

The new Nokia Mediamaster 8860C Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD) is primarily intended for the reception of DVB compliant digital television transmissions and standard interactive services in a digital CATV network. Those services can be television programs, radio programs, information and services or downloadable data applications. This latest Nokia Mediamaster 8860C is specifically designed and optimized to support applications and data services according to specifications from the NTC.

About Nokia

Nokia Multimedia Terminals is a pioneer in digital terminals for digital broadcasting and interactive multimedia applications via satellite, cable and terrestrial networks. In September 1999, Nokia established a joint venture to manufacture Multimedia Terminals in Beijing.

Nokia is committed to long-term and preferred partnerships in China. With its state-of-the-art technology, Nokia has increasingly strengthened its market position as a leading supplier of mobile and fixed communication systems and equipment in China. At present, China is Nokia's second largest market, and Nokia's investment in China has surpassed USD1 billion. Nokia has established seven joint ventures, one wholly owned manufacturing plant and one R&D center in China. Nokia has more than 5,000 employees in China.

Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is one of the most broadly held companies in the world with listings on six major exchanges.

Further information:
Mr. Jyrki Rosenberg
Nokia Ventures Organization, Tel. +358 9 511 62865

Ms. Cai Yun, Ms Chen Yuhong
Nokia (China) Investment Corporation,Tel. +86 10 65392828

www.nokia.com