M1 and Nokia begin 3G trials in Singapore

M1, one of the leading mobile operators in Singapore and Nokia will begin field trials of 3rd Generation WCDMA technology this month, setting the stage for the introduction of a new class of advanced mobile applications and true mobile Internet access in Singapore.

The results of the trial will be used to evaluate the Nokia leading edge 3G WCDMA technology in a real operating environment, including demonstration of Internet Protocol (IP) based mobile services and applications.

“M1 is one of the few mobile operators in the world to have successfully launched both GSM and CDMA networks. It is only natural therefore that we should take the lead in conducting trials on the next generation of mobile technology which combines some of the best elements of both of these systems,” said Neil Montefiore, Chief Executive Officer of M1.

“With Nokia, we have already demonstrated GPRS data calls over our network and successfully carried out GPRS roaming trials with foreign operators. I firmly believe that the transactional aspects of the Internet will be predominantly carried over wireless networks within the next three years and M1 intends to remain in the forefront of the technology,” he added.

The Nokia 3G WCDMA trial system comprises network equipment, software and mobile terminals to allow thorough testing of coverage, transmission speed, handovers, power control and general functionality of the technology, as well as applications. Tests will also be carried out to ensure seamless voice and data transmission, including features such as the Smart Radio Concept for enhancing mobile capacity.

Kari Ahola, Senior Vice President, Nokia Networks, Asia Pacific, said: "We have made the commitment with this field system to ensure our customer, M1,will be able to develop and test services that combine mobile communications with the power of being always connected to the Internet. We see this as an important step to ensure that the full capability of the GPRS packet core network can be utilized with M1's introduction of 3G in the future. Nokia shall continue working with operators across the globe, providing them with the capability to introduce WCDMA services when the markets are ready."

Nokia has implemented experimental WCDMA field systems installed at facilities around the world, including China, Finland, and Japan. In addition, Nokia has built Mobile 3G Demonstration Centres for use by partner operators in Europe to undertake full evaluation and demonstration of 3rd generation applications in a completely live working environment. With this system, Nokia customers can experience applications such as location-based services and mobile Internet access at speeds of 384 kbit/s.

M1, Singapore’s most exciting and innovative mobile and paging service provider, is a consortium of the Keppel Group, Singapore Press Holdings, Cable & Wireless and Cable & Wireless HKT.

Nokia is paving the way to the mobile information society with its innovative products and solutions. Nokia is the leading mobile phone supplier and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks including related services. It also supplies multimedia terminals and computer displays. In 1999, net sales totaled EUR 13.3 billion (USD 15.7 billion). Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is listed on the New York (NOK), Helsinki, Stockholm, London, Frankfurt and Paris stock exchanges and employs more than 56 000 people.

Further information:
Communications Department, Nokia Networks
Tel. (Int.) + 358 9 5113 8193, Fax (Int.) + 358 9 5113 8199
Email nokia.networks@nokia.com

www.nokia.com