Nokia is to supply its GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) core system to Advanced Info Service Plc (AIS) in Thailand. Deliveries have already begun of the Nokia GPRS solution, the industry's strongest and most efficient core GPRS system.
The Nokia solution for advanced mobile data services will initially be deployed in the regions where Nokia supplies GSM infrastructure, the north, west and south of Thailand as well as in the AIS-owned DPC GSM1800 network in Bangkok.
"We believe that Nokia's total solution offers a stable GPRS platform with advanced features. It also supports future radio access technologies such as EDGE, which AIS may deploy some time in the future," says Ms.Yingluck Shinawatra, President AIS.
"This deal will greatly enhance AIS' capability to offer our customers advanced mobile data and non-voice services, such as MMS, browsing and streaming," adds Ms. Shinawatra.
"Nokia is pleased to continue it's close cooperation with AIS in making advanced mobile services available to the Thai market and extend its GPRS service to 100% of the Nokia-supplied AIS network in Bangkok and the regions," says Pekka Mielonen, Director, Shin Group Customer Operations, Nokia Networks.
"This deal signals the commitment of Nokia and AIS to together drive the adoption and take-off of mobile data and non-voice services," he adds.
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 70 GPRS core networks to leading operators in Europe, USA, Asia and China, and has clearly the largest installed base of any GPRS supplier.
About AIS
Advanced Info Service Plc. or AIS is the largest mobile phone operator in Thailand with approximately 11 million subscribers at the end of February 2003. AIS strongly believe that wireless communications will bring changes to the way Thai people lead their lives, regardless of who they are and what they do. With the existence of endless communications possibilities, the quality of life is better.
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 a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.
Contact information:
Global Communications Department, Nokia Networks
Tel. (Int.) + 358 (0) 7180 38198
Email networks.communications@nokia.com
www.nokia.com
Ms. Siriphet Taiwasupakul
Public Relations
Advanced Info Service Plc.
Tel. +662 2995042
Email siriphet@ais900.com
www.ais900.com