J-PHONE is currently in the process of finalizing the network for launching 3G services nationwide in December 2002. Additionally, J-PHONE is expanding the network with a project calling for additional base station sites to be implemented in 2003, making J-PHONE’s network one of excellent national coverage.
In undertaking this initiative, J-PHONE has selected Nokia as a partner to supply network equipment and to provide installation, commissioning, integration and project management services for efficient network ramp-up. A wide range of care services, including spare parts management, and training will help to maintain the competitiveness of the network.
“J-PHONE has concluded that W-CDMA gives us the most global reach and offers the most cost-effective way of migrating our network in order to offer the capacity and services demanded by the market in Japan,” says John Thompson, CTO, J-PHONE. “We are partnering with Nokia and other vendors to implement a new strategy based upon rapid deployment of cost-effective outdoor base stations, thus significantly reducing the investment required for 3G infrastructure, while accelerating the pace of rollout. J-PHONE intends to provide excellent nationwide coverage and services in order to offer our customers the option to migrate early to 3G.”
“We are delighted at the vote of confidence given to 3G technology and to Nokia by J-PHONE with this major new contract,” says Simon Beresford-Wylie, Vice President, Nokia Networks. “We are excited to be given the opportunity to expand our horizons in Japan and are gearing up our organization to serve J-Phone well in this expansion phase. Besides being an innovative and reliable technology supplier, Nokia is an attractive partner for delivering, upgrading and servicing our customers’ networks.”
WCDMA is the most efficient technology for integrated mobile voice and data networks. WCDMA - like GSM/EDGE technologies - is a fully standardized global solution with open interfaces. It provides high-data rates and the benefits of global production volumes. WCDMA is fast emerging as the global standard of choice for next-generation communications, with 85% of the global 3G network markets expected to be based on WCDMA. Nokia is a leading supplier in WCDMA infrastructure, with over 30 customers around the world.
About J-PHONE
J-PHONE Co., Ltd. is a leading mobile operator in Japan and a member of the Vodafone Group, the world’s largest mobile community. J-PHONE offers sophisticated mobile services including high quality voice telephony, “Sha-mail” (picture messaging), “Movie Sha-mail” (video messaging), J-SKY (Internet and e-mail access) and Java™ applications. The company has over 13 million customers, of which more than 85% are J-SKY subscribers. J-PHONE was awarded one of three licenses to operate 3G mobile services in Japan, and is currently at an advanced stage of deploying a 3G W-CDMA network. For more information, please visit www.j-phone.com
About Nokia
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 broadband 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 one of the most broadly held companies in the world with listings on six major exchanges.
Further information:
Communications Department, Nokia Networks
Tel. (Int.) + 358 (0) 7180 38195
E-mail nokia.networks@nokia.com
www.nokia.com
Corporate Communications, Nokia Japan
Tel. +81 3 5759 7129
Tel. +81 3 5759 7129
www.nokia.co.jp