A landmark for Nokia GPRS as 10 mobile operators launch commercial GPRS services

Operators using Nokia's GPRS solution have shown leadership in their markets by being the first to launch nationwide standards compliant GPRS-based services. Nokia can today announce that 10 operators around the globe have launched commercial GPRS services based on Nokia solutions.

Fujian Mobile Communications Corporation, China, Cable & Wireless Optus in Australia, KG Telecom in Taiwan, diAx in Switzerland, New World PCS in Hong Kong, Centertel in Poland, EuroTel in the Czech Republic, Pacific Century CyberWorks Mobility Services, Hong Kong,M1 in Singapore and Europolitan in Sweden have publicly announced the launch of GPRS services, based on Nokia's systems.

Launch of this packet based IP service, which seamlessly integrates to the Internet, is a major step towards 3rd generation capabilities and operators are gaining an edge in mastering this completely new means of wireless content delivery. The next step will be optimizing GPRS networks for transport of WAP and other content.

"We are proud to enable these leading operators to demonstrate their ability to deploy and commercialise this new network technology, as pace in IP Mobility services is increases. The learning curve is steep and only the most capable players will stand out for their capacity to leverage increasingly sophisticated market opportunities." says Petri Pöyhönen, Head of GPRS Business Program, Nokia Networks. "This achievement of our customers demonstrates success in fielding GPRS, in quantities, enabling commercial deployment with nationwide roll-out, supporting international roaming and complying with the latest standards."

The Nokia GPRS solution includes the industry's strongest and most efficient core GPRS system, 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 well over 50 GPRS core networks to leading operators in Europe, USA, Asia and China, and now has the largest installed base of any supplier.

Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.

Further information:
Communications Department
Nokia Networks
Tel. + 358 9 5113 8195
Email: nokia.networks@nokia.com

www.nokia.com