SONOFON in Denmark and Europolitan in Sweden have completed a GPRS call using a commercially capable GPRS network, supplied by Nokia. The roaming was performed in live GSM networks using GPRS terminals running WAP-based services. A connection to Internet services was also maintained across the GPRS network.
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is a major stepping stone in the development towards 3rd generation mobile systems and mobile multimedia services.
"GPRS is an ideal carrier for WAP services and now, as we have proven the capability of roaming using the Nokia GPRS trial network, it is clear that mobile customers will be able to benefit significantly with the introduction of applications over GPRS," says Mr. Ulrik Bülow, CEO, SONOFON.
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. This achievement marks an important step for both SONOFON's and Europolitan future data services, as the amount of Internet connected mobile phones increases.
The Nokia GPRS solution includes the industry's strongest and most efficient core GPRS system and Connecting@Care support services including applications consultancy and systems integration expertise to integrate the GPRS core network into the existing service delivery and billing environment. Since August 1999, Nokia has delivered and implemented close to 50 GPRS core networks to leading operators in Europe, USA, Asia and China, and now has the largest installed base of any supplier.
"To achieve roaming with GPRS is an important step towards global services. Our customers travel around the entire world and have a need for mobile Internet services wherever they are. By getting this far in implementing GPRS we have taken a great step towards Third Generation services," says Magnus Forsbrand, Vice President, Engineering and Operations at Europolitan.
"We have proven our ability to meet the performance and delivery requirements for GPRS and now we are continuing to see our operator customers prepare for commercial launches of their GPRS networks. All of Nokia's GPRS system deliveries support non-proprietary interfaces to the customer care and billing systems, and can cope with multivendor environments and roaming between various operator networks. Nokia, SONOFON and Europolitan began their GPRS trial co-operation at the beginning of 1999 and this roaming achievement underlines the success of the co-operation between Nokia and our GPRS customers," says Heikki Vappula, managing director, Nokia Networks, Denmark
SONOFON is Denmark's second largest telecommunications company with a turnover of Dkk 3 Billion and approximately 1,500 employees. Telenor (53.5%) and BellSouth (46.5%) own SONOFON. Since its launch in 1992, the company has established a countrywide network, a solid customer base (approximately 850,000) and SONOFON Partner - franchise based chain of shops. The company is continuously introducing new services - the newest being Variant and Multiplan.
Europolitan AB is a Swedish GSM operator that prioritizes service and quality. The company's head office is in Karlskrona, Sweden. Europolitan is a leader in the field of technically advanced services for GSM 900/1800. The Europolitan Group, which also includes the stock market listed parent company Europolitan Holdings AB and Europolitan AB's sister companies, Europolitan Stores AB, Ocom AB and Doberman AB, has around 1,200 employees. For more information, please visit www.europolitan.se
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