Nokia today successfully made the world's first 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Program) Release 99 standard compliant AMR (Adaptive Multi-Rate) WCDMA voice call. The call was conducted using a 3GPP standard compatible commercial network and the first commercial versions of Nokia 3GPP standard compatible mobile terminals in WCDMA and GSM modes.
The end-to-end WCDMA call was made between Nokia laboratories in Oulu and Salo, Finland, by representatives of the Finnish operators Radiolinja and Sonera. It marks another 3G milestone for Nokia.
The 3G voice call demonstrates the compliancy of the commercial Nokia 3G network elements and the first version of a Nokia dual mode GSM/WCDMA terminal with the December 2000 version of the 3GPP Release 99. It also validates the network elements necessary for volume deliveries and enables further development of functionality.
The future evolution of the network includes an upgrade to June 2001 version level of 3GPP Release 99. Upgrading the network software enables the opening of the 3G commercial networks for terminals compatible with version March 2001 or later. The delivered and installed equipment will be upgraded periodically with the latest software releases.
The connection was created over the Nokia 3G MSC (Mobile Services Switching Centre), Nokia Radio Network Controller (RNC), Nokia UltraSite WCDMA Supreme Indoor base station and the first Nokia 3G terminal.
"Although we have already demonstrated WCDMA calls and data transmission on experimental platforms as early as 1999, this is a crucial milestone in our commercial 3G platform end-to-end system capability development," says Dr J.T Bergqvist, Senior Vice President, Nokia Networks.
"This opens the door to rapid progress in the coming months. Since all the network elements of our commercial 3G system have now been successfully connected, further development steps can be implemented and verified on real commercial equipment platforms. Further system development and testing activities will directly enhance our commercial infrastructure. We believe the first 3G networks will be launched for commercial use by a number of major operators during the second half of 2002, and this achievement paves the way for the timely ramp-up of 3G networks worldwide," he adds.
"The first complete end-to-end WCDMA to GSM voice call was carried out by using the first commercial version of a Nokia dual mode GSM/WCDMA mobile phone," says Yrjö Neuvo, Executive Vice President, CTO, Nokia Mobile Phones. "Our 3G terminal development is proceeding according to schedule, and we are expecting the first Nokia GSM/WCDMA mobile terminals to be available in the market in the GSM footprint during the second half of 2002."
"The first 3G voice call made today is an important step in the development of Sonera's 3G networks and services. We are very impressed to see for the first time 3GPP Release 99 compatible commercial infrastructure and terminals interacting without simulators or experimental products," says Mika Matturi, Vice President, Sonera.
"This is a very important proof of the maturity of Nokia UMTS equipment and it confirms the viability of our network deployment timetables", says Kari Partanen, Senior Vice President, Radiolinja.
Radiolinja is a mobile operator, which has focused on supplying digital mobile telecommunications services to individuals and companies. At the end of 2000, Radiolinja Group's net sales totaled FIM 3,65 billion. The Radiolinja Group includes the subsidiaries Radiolinja Eesti AS, SIA Radiolinja Latvija, Ecosite Oy and UAB Radiolinja.
Sonera (HEX:SRA, NASDAQ: SNRA) is an international forerunner in mobile communications and mobile-based services and applications. By combining its expertise in mobile communications, the Internet and service provision, Sonera aims to develop into a global communications operator and provider of transaction and content services. The company also provides advanced data communications solutions to businesses, and fixed network voice services in Finland and its nearby areas. In 2000, Sonera's revenues amounted to EUR 2.05 billion, and profit before extraordinary items and taxes was EUR 1.86 billion. Sonera employs more than 11,200 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:
Nokia Networks
Communications
Tel. +358 7180 38195
Nokia Mobile Phones
Communications
Tel. +358 7180 08000
www.nokia.com