The contract with Hainan Mobile Communications, a new customer for Nokia, includes replacing and expanding the operator's existing GSM 900 network.
Nokia will also supply Nokia Artus Messaging Platform, a WAP (wireless application protocol) gateway solution for operators, and a trial Nokia Intelligent Network.
In addition Nokia will provide a base station subsystems expansion, as well as full Operational Support Services and the Nokia Network Management System (NMS).
Deliveries begin in March and the system will be operational in September.
Hainan Mobile Communications has around 250,000 subscribers and operates mainly in Haikou and Sanya.
Nokia Artus Messaging Platform gives Hainan Mobile Communications' subscribers the possibility to access the Internet via WAP-enabled media phones, such as the Nokia 7110 - the world's first WAP enabled media phone.
Nokia's comprehensive WAP solution based on open standards and platforms, enables the creation of feature-rich secured WAP services addressing both the consumers and business segments.
"Nokia is proud to have Hainan Mobile Communications as a new customer, which further strengthens Nokia's position in China and is yet more proof of Nokia's competitiveness in GSM solutions," said Malcolm Arnold, Vice President, System Business, Nokia (China) Investment Co. Ltd, "Operators benefit from WAP by being able to launch new and interesting services attractive to the end-user."
Nokia can offer operators what few others in the industry can; a complete end to-end WAP solution, including a WAP portal, gateways, mobile terminals, browsers, tools for WAP-based content creation and delivery, end-user application platforms, and systems integration services. In addition to infrastructure, Nokia Professional Services provides comprehensive service solutions for planning, deploying, managing, and enhancing WAP solutions.
Nokia is paving the way to the mobile information society with its innovative products and solutions. The company is the leading mobile phone supplier and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks, related services as well as multimedia terminals. In 1999, Nokia's net sales totaled EUR 19.8 billion
(USD 19.9 billion). Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is listed on the New York (NOK), Helsinki, Stockholm, London, Frankfurt and Paris stock exchanges and employs more than 55 000 people.