Fujian Mobile Communications Corporation and Nokia launch the world's first fully standards compliant commercial GPRS network

China's Fujian Mobile Communication Corporation has launched the world's first GPRS network, compliant with the latest commercial standards. GPRS services, built on the Nokia GPRS core network will be in operation in the city of Fuzhou, in Fujian province.

This also marks a world first for Nokia, as the GPRS system meets the SMG31 standard, which enables the core network to cope with equipment from other vendors, as well as providing the ability to roam between operator networks. The Nokia solution meets the specifications for the China Mobile Communications Group (CMCG).

The strength of the Nokia GPRS solution was underlined with the completion of WAP services over the packet data connection. In addition, Fujian Mobile Communications Corporation finalised their roaming trials with GPRS. Roaming with GPRS is a fundamental requirement in order to make future global mobile Internet services possible, based on agreements with operators in various countries around the world.

"We are proud to announce this milestone with Fujian Mobile Communication Corporation, which clearly shows the importance of standards compliant GPRS systems, bringing the possibility for operators to be the first to launch fully commercial GPRS and true Mobile Internet services," says Wang JianHui, Mobile General Manager of Nokia Networks Division, Nokia(China) Investment Co., LTD.

For mobile users, GPRS brings the enjoyment of continuous connectivity to the Internet, and opens up a host of new applications, using corporate Intranet or a WAP portal, for fast access to new content-rich services, through Internet surfing and e-mail.

The commercial launch comes after Nokia and Fujian Mobile Communications Corporation worked together to complete successful GPRS trials earlier this year. Nokia is at the forefront of development and implementation of GPRS equipment for mobile operators. Since August 1999, Nokia has delivered and implemented nearly 50 GPRS core networks to leading operators in Europe, USA, Asia and China, and now has the largest installed base of any supplier.

Nokia can deliver the industry's strongest and most efficient core GPRS system, together with Nokia's Connecting@care support services. In addition, Nokia can provide System Integration expertise to integrate the GPRS core network into the existing service delivery and billing environment.

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, broadband 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 60, 000 people.

Further information:

Communications Department,
Nokia Networks
Tel. + 358 9 5113 8193
Email: nokia.networks@nokia.com

www.nokia.com