Nokia's advanced TETRA network for digital professional mobile radio, including IP packet data for fast on-line access to critical databases, has been launched by ASTRID in Belgium. It will provide secure and reliable communications to emergency and security organisations nationwide.
ASTRID, the government-owned corporation responsible for providing communications to all Belgian public safety organisations, now has the most technically advanced authority network in the world. The TETRA network will be in operation during the first quarter of next year.
TETRA networks offer secure, digital mobile communication for public safety and security organizations, transportation and utility companies. Nokia is the first vendor in the world to bring IP packet capability to these networks, which means compatible interfaces for access to IP based applications and services with continuous connectivity when it is needed most. Nokia TETRA IP significantly enhances access to WAP services and more efficient WAP service development is possible with new TETRA IP functionalities.
"The launch of ASTRID's nationwide TETRA network is a historical moment and we regard ourselves as pioneers in TETRA system," said Daniel Haché, Director of External Relations, ASTRID, "With TETRA technology we are confident that Belgian public safety organisations will benefit from the most advanced, reliable and secure communications available."
Nokia is one of the world's leading suppliers of TETRA systems, consisting of digital exchanges, base stations, dispatcher system and network management centre. The infrastructure is supported by Nokia's mobile and handportable radio terminals and accessories.
"ASTRID is the first operator to launch Nokia's unique TETRA IP solution in the world - proof of Nokia's leadership in professional mobile radio technology," said Kari Suneli, Senior Vice President, Professional Mobile Radio, Nokia Networks, "Nokia's TETRA system is future proof and is continuously being enhanced to provide the most advanced solutions and benefits to our customers, such as with TETRA IP."
To help professional mobile radio users to take full advantage of the new technologies, Nokia is offering a range of end-to-end solutions that incorporate the latest TETRA technology, various data applications and related systems integration and support services. The solutions are built on robust application platforms that are ready for service by simply integrating them into existing systems and operational processes.
A.S.T.R.I.D. is a public law company established by the law of 08-06-1998 (Belgian Official Gazette of 13-06-1998) on the radio communication of emergency and security services. The company's articles of association were established in a Royal Decree of 27-7-1998 following consultation in the Council of Ministers (Belgian Official Decree of 31-07-1998). The company's share capital amounts to BEF 5,800,000,000 (143.8 million euros), subscribed 61% by the Federal State and 39% by the Joint Municipalities Holding Company. The company's stated purpose is the setting up, operation, maintenance and further development and expansion of a radio telecommunications network for voice and data traffic. The target groups are the Belgian emergency and security services, the national security system and public and private institutions, companies and associations which provide emergency and security services (art. 3 of the law). A.S.T.R.I.D. provides its services at cost price to the security and emergency services listed in the management contract.
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 60,000 people.
Further information:
Communications Department, Nokia Networks
Tel. (Int.) + 358 9 5113 8193
Fax (Int) + 358 9 5112 8199
Email nokia.networks@nokia.com
www.nokia.com