Nokia is supplying its GPRS solution as part of the nationwide GPRS expansion of China Mobile Communication Co's (CMCC) network. The expansion will see CMCC's GPRS network grow from 16 provinces to cover all 31 Chinese provinces.
Under the agreement, Nokia will deliver the GPRS solution, which will enable CMCC to offer state-of-the art mobile services and "always-connected" access to mobile data to its customers. The total expansion will increase CMCC's capacity to more than 2 million GPRS subscribers.
Deliveries have already begun and the network is expected to be operational during fourth quarter 2001.
The Nokia GPRS solution supports Mobile Internet services such as data and improved WAP services. In addition, Nokia Professional Services will provide implementation and Connecting@Care support to integrate the GPRS core network into the existing service environment.
"As the world's largest mobile communications market China has brought great opportunities for the development of GPRS. As a leading supplier of mobile networks, Nokia has enjoyed a long history of cooperation with CMCC and are extremely pleased to see it go from strength to strength just as CMCC's business will with GPRS," says Antti Wäre, Vice President, System Business, Nokia (China) Investment Co., LTD, "With Nokia's leading GPRS solutions, CMCC is moving into the market of new 'always-connected' mobile data services."
The Nokia GPRS core solution includes GPRS core, the Serving GPRS Support Node, the Gateway GPRS Support Node, the Charging Gateway and Firewalls.
Nokia has delivered and implemented well over 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 25 Nokia supplied GPRS networks have been launched - more than half of the commercial GPRS launches today.
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 broadband network systems and mobile phones in China. China is Nokia's second largest market in the world. Nokia's investment in China has surpassed USD 1.7 billion. Nokia has established over twenty representative offices, eight joint ventures and one R&D center, with over 5,500 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:
Nokia Networks
Communications Department
Tel. + 358 7180 38195
Email nokia.networks@nokia.com
www.nokia.com