Nokia and the Belgian mobile operator Mobistar have signed an agreement for the delivery of the Nokia GPRS Core network solution.
With the implementation of GPRS, Mobistar will be able to provide true Mobile Internet access to its subscribers - offering packet switched data via its GSM network. Mobistar will be ready to launch commercial applications using this new technology at the beginning of next year.
A pre-commercial system has already been connected to the Mobistar network and has been used during the TM@B exhibition in Brussels at the beginning of June. The benefits of end-to-end GPRS services were illustrated, allowing secure, rapid, mobile access to applications such as Internet surfing and e-mail.
For mobile subscribers GPRS offers the advantage of enjoying the possibility of continuous connectivity to the Internet, the corporate Intranet or a WAP portal, for fast access to new content-rich services.
"Mobistar believes that the mobile Internet market has great potential, and intends to be at the forefront of its development. By introducing the major technological innovation represented by GPRS, Mobistar is preparing for future services and remains true to its commitment to always pursue innovation to supply its customers with the best communications services. GPRS will also bring Mobistar new revenues opportunities, from an enhanced range of new applications," said Bernard Ghillebaert, Head of the Mobistar Group.
"Nokia's carrier-class scaleable GPRS solution is ideal for Mobistar's commercial deployment needs," says Petri Pöyhönen, Head of GPRS Business Program, Nokia Networks. "The Nokia GPRS solution is a key building block in the development of the Mobile Information Society based upon high-speed IP data technology."
Nokia is at the forefront of development and implementation of GPRS infrastructure for mobile operators, as existing second Generation networks evolve to 3G. Since August 1999, Nokia has delivered and implemented more than 40 GPRS core networks to leading operators in Europe, USA, Asia and China, and now has the largest installed base of any supplier. With this deal, Nokia has now announced 30 public references for their GPRS system.
Nokia will deliver the industry's strongest and most efficient core GPRS system and provide Connecting@care support services to Mobistar. In addition, Nokia will provide System Integration expertise to integrate the GPRS core network into the existing service delivery and billing environment.
Mobistar is one of the main players in the telecommunications market in Belgium, active in mobile telephony, in fixed telephony and in other markets with a high growth potential. In 1999, the operator had a turnover of more than 15 billion Belgian francs. On 30 June 2000, Mobistar counted 1.235.000 clients.
Mobistar, which is one of the fastest growing operators in Europe, is a subsidiary of France Telecom and is quoted on the Brussels Stock Exchange. In August 99, Mobistar has created a subsidiary, Mobistar Corporate Solutions. The aim of Mobistar Corporate Solution is to develop an integrated supply of services (voice, data transmission, Internet, etc.) for businesses.
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, broadband and IP networks, related services as well as multimedia terminals. 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:
Communications Department
Nokia Networks
Tel. + 358 9 5113 8193
Fax + 358 9 5113 8199
nokia.networks@nokia.com
www.nokia.com
Mobistar
Thierry Bouckaert, Public Relations Manager
Tel. +32 2 745 7118, Mobile +32 495 55 7118
tbouckae@mail.mobilstar.be
www.mobistar.be