Nokia is supplying its state-of-the-art General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) solution to COSMOTE, a leading Greek GSM 1800 mobile operator with almost 1.8 million subscribers. Deliveries have already begun and COSMOTE plans to launch commercial GPRS services, enabling fast Mobile Internet to subscribers during the first quarter of 2001.
With the Nokia solution, COSMOTE will be the first mobile operator in Greece with a complete commercially capable GPRS network. Nokia GPRS system is fully Internet Protocol (IP) compatible and can support Mobile Internet services such as data and video streaming.
"The implementation of the Nokia GPRS solution combined with the advantages stemming from the company’s superior network, will soon allow COSMOTE’s customers to access innovative services covering a wide range of their communication needs." said Mr Evangelos Martigopoulos, Managing Director of COSMOTE, "With this agreement COSMOTE brings the Greek mobile market a step forward, while at the same time familiarizing its customers with the forthcoming 3rd generation services”.
Nokia is providing its unique GPRS solution, including the GPRS Core as well as the necessary BSS upgrades. Nokia's standards compliant GPRS system will enable operators to be the first to launch fully commercial GPRS services as existing second Generation networks evolve to 3rd Generation.
It is the latest agreement in the long relationship between Nokia and COSMOTE since the operator's service launch in 1997.
"This is an important milestone in bringing next generation mobile services to the Greek market," said Goran Ackerot, Managing Director, Nokia Hellas,"With the Nokia GPRS solution, COSMOTE will be able to complete the first GPRS call in Greece and bring advanced Mobile Internet services to consumers. Nokia has been delivering GPRS systems that support the latest commercial standards and international roaming, faster than any other vendor."
The Nokia GPRS solution includes the industry's strongest and most efficient core GPRS system, including applications consultancy and systems integration expertise to integrate the GPRS core network into the existing service delivery and billing environment. Since August 1999, Nokia has delivered and implemented well over 50 GPRS core networks to leading operators in Europe, USA, Asia and China, and now has the largest installed base of any supplier.
COSMOTE started its commercial operation five years later than its competitors with GSM1800 technology compared to GSM900 of the other operators. However, COSMOTE has experienced an impressive growth in its subscriber base, gaining one in every two new subscribers in the Greek market and securing the lowest churn rate. High network quality, as well as clear and reasonable tariffs are two of the major reasons of COSMOTE’s success. Now COSMOTE has stepped into second place with about 1.8 million subscribers and a market share of more than 32%. COSMOTE is considered to be the most successful third entrant in the European Market.
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:
Nokia Networks, Communications Department
Tel. + 358 9 5113 8193, fax +358 9 5113 8199, email nokia.networks@nokia.com
www.nokia.com