Nokia to supply its Broadband IP Access Solution to Kaptech in France

Nokia is to supply its Broadband IP Access solution to Kaptech, a leading French operator focusing on the business segment, for the official French trials organised by the French Regulatory Authority for Telecommunications (ART). These trials aim at assessing the processes for Unbundling the Local Loop (ULL) in France. Unbundled access enables the realisation of true broadband connectivity over existing copper pairs.

As part of the agreement, Nokia will supply the Nokia D50e, its DSLAM platform which will give Kaptech the flexibility to provide customers with a choice of SDSL, ADSL (DMT), and G.Lite services. The ongoing telecom deregulation throughout Europe will provide competitive opportunities for new entrants to gain access to the "last mile" for both residential and business users.

"Kaptech and Nokia have a long established relationship and we share the same vision as Nokia for the evolution of Broadband Services," said Jean-Pierre Souviron, Chief Executive of Kaptech. "The ULL trials are significant for the French market and the Nokia Broadband DSL solution will help us to build on our existing service offering."

"Nokia is pleased to be supporting Kaptech during the ULL trials in France," said Paul-Henri Ferrand, Area General Manager of Nokia France and North-West Africa." Nokia is a world leader in the supply of digital subscriber line (DSL) products and technology and this agreement underlines the commitment to serving our customers needs."

Kaptech provides innovative voice and internet access services to over 1500 large enterprises in France. Kaptech's commercial and technical teams are deployed throughout France in 23 regional agencies, thus guaranteeing a high quality of service and customer support. Kaptech estimates its turnover should quadruple this year to reach 40 Meuros, the number of employees should double to 700 before the end of the year.

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 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 56,000 people

Further information:

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

www.nokia.com