Fujian MCC to lead the China positioning market together with the first Nokia mCatch positioning system trial

Nokia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fujian Mobile Communications Company (FMCC) in China to trial the revolutionary Nokia mCatch positioning system for Fujian MCC's GSM network.

With new Location Based Services, mobile subscribers can access a range of new, exciting services, relevant to their location, such as tourist information, weather and traffic reports, tracking, restaurants, regional advertisements, shopping and theatre ticket bookings.

The Nokia mCatch trial is the first of its kind in China and Fujian MCC will be one of the first operators in the world to implement GSM-based Nokia mCatch. Trials of the system are expected to start during first quarter 2001.

Nokia mCatch is part of the comprehensive Nokia mPosition Solution and supports open standards and industry forum developments for GMLC (Gateway Mobile Location Centre) application interfaces. It enables Location Based Services for the positioning of all existing GSM phones, using various technologies like Cell Identity (Cell ID). Timing Advance and Received Signal Strength levels (RX levels). Nokia mCatch supports different location methods (Enhanced Observed Time Difference, Network Assisted Global Positioning System, Round Trip Time and Idle Period Downlink Observed Time Difference of Arrival) and can be easily upgraded for 3G mobile networks.

Nokia mCatch is based on GSM and 3G location specifications and is part of the Nokia mPosition Solution that also includes location applications and Nokia mPlatform.

"As networks in China evolve towards higher data speeds, location based services and applications play an increasingly important role and Nokia is taking the lead together with key players in mobile Internet and the mobile developer community, stimulating the creation of new innovative applications, now," said Matti Lankinen General Manager of Location Communication Systems Business Program, Nokia. "We are pleased to sign this agreement with Fujian which will enable the rapid introduction of exciting new services early this year. This will enable Fujian to become a leader in the arena of location services and will eventually impact the whole China market as location services get more widely adopted."

Nokia is committed to a long-term development and preferred partnership in China. With innovative technology, Nokia has continuously strengthened its market position as a leading supplier of mobile and fixed network system and mobile phones in China. China is Nokia’s second largest market. Nokia’s investment in China has surpassed USD 1 billion. Nokia has established over 20 representative offices, seven joint ventures, one whollyowned manufacturing plant and one R&D center, and has over 5,000 employees in China.

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 (0) 71803 8193
Email nokia.networks@nokia.com

www.nokia.com