Nokia delivers GPRS network to Dutchtone for fast mobile Internet services in the Netherlands

Nokia and Dutchtone have signed an agreement for the delivery of the GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) core system. Deliveries have already begun of the Nokia GPRS solution, the industry strongest and most efficient core GPRS system. Nokia will also provide Connecting@care support to integrate the GPRS core network into the existing service environment.

"We will offer the much higher speed, which is made possible by GPRS, to our clients this year", said Jean-Marie Patillot, Chief Executive Officer of Dutchtone. "We are building now with Nokia the technical solutions to be able so. We know that after WAP, GPRS is another important step towards multimedia services which will make life more easier and pleasant for our clients".
"We are pleased to have reached this milestone and to be working with Dutchtone in bringing true Mobile Internet access to its subscribers," said Mikael von Hertzen, General Manager Benelux, Nokia Networks. "Nokia's GPRS system has integrated best in class technology solutions to provide the most secure and reliable mobile connection to the Internet in the market. Our solution enables Dutchtone to combine their quality of service offering on voice and SMS with Nokia's quality GPRS data services".

The Nokia GPRS solution includes the industry's most mature and scaleable carrier class core GPRS system, including applications consultancy and systems integration expertise to integrate the GPRS core network into the existing service delivery and billing environment. Nokia has delivered and implemented more than 50 GPRS core networks to leading operators in Europe, USA, Asia and China, and has clearly the largest installed base of any GPRS supplier. In addition over 20 Nokia supplied GPRS networks have been launched - more than half of the commercial GPRS launches today.

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, paving the way to 3G.

Dutchtone N.V. is a Dutch telecommunication company with its own national network covering mobile telephony based on GSM 1800 technology. Dutchtone offers an extensive range of services to both private as well as to business customers. Dutchtone employs 1.500 people.

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) 7180 38195
Email nokia.networks@nokia.com

www.nokia.com