Nokia to supply GSM 1800 network to Zhejiang Mobile Communications Co., Ltd. in China

Nokia has been awarded a contract to supply a complete GSM 1800 network to the Zhejiang Mobile Communications Co., Ltd. in China. Nokia has previously supplied Zhejiang's GSM 900 network since 1995. The agreement, valued at over USD 60 million was signed together with two of Nokia's joint ventures in China: Beijing Nokia Hangxing Telecommunications Systems (BNT) Co., Ltd. and Beijing Nokia Mobile Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (BNMT).

Deliveries have already begun and the network will be taken into use before the end of this year. Zhejiang Mobile Communications Co., Ltd. which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Mobile (Hong Kong) Ltd., and owns the second largest provincial GSM networks in China with its 3.8 million subscribers. Together with the existing GSM 900 networks in the province, the new GSM 1800 network will enable automatic dualband roaming functionality in the system and bring enhanced coverage and additional capacity.

Nokia will deliver its latest generation I-series products including mobile switching centers, base stations, and base station controllers. The Nokia Network Management System will be supplied as well as a full range of Professional Services covering Network Planning, Project Management, Implementation, Commissioning and Training.

"This deal continues our long-standing relationship with Zhejiang Mobile Communications Co. Ltd. where we have previously supplied GSM 900 infrastructure as early as 1995 and expaned the network for six times since the network was put into use at the end of 1995," said Malcolm Arnold, Vice President, System Business, Nokia (China) Investment Co. Ltd, "Therefore, the agreement is significant as not only is the network in one of the largest markets in China, but is further evidence that Nokia is a leading vendor of GSM networks, including GSM 1800."

As one of the world's leading telecommunications companies, Nokia is committed to long-term partnerships in China. With many technology innovations Nokia has strengthened its market position as a leading supplier of mobile and fixed communications systems and equipment in China. At present, China is Nokia's second largest country in the world in terms of sales revenue, and Nokia's investment in China already exceeds USD1 billion. Nokia has established eight joint ventures, one wholly owned manufacturing plant and a research & development center in China. Nokia currently employs approximately 4,000 people in China.

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, 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.

Contact information:

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