The deal includes delivery of a significant number of Nokia EDGE-enabled UltraSite base stations, as well as high-capacity base station controllers, capacity-enhancing software features and other capabilities that will futher improve DTAC's network quality. With this contract, Nokia becomes the sole supplier of mobile network infrastructure to DTAC.
With EDGE technology, DTAC can offer its customers superior quality network services that combine high-speed data, voice, audio, video and text.
"This is a milestone in DTAC's end-to-end cooperation with Nokia to provide innovative services to all of our six million customers across the country," said Sigve Brekke, DTAC's Co-Chief Executive Officer. "We are experiencing exponential growth in our data traffic. By choosing Nokia as the sole supplier on our network we can very efficient upgrade our network to EDGE when demand is sufficient.
"Nokia has clearly demonstrated its leadership in mobile network technologies and strong commitment in helping DTAC to deliver the highest quality service through our GSM network since the mid-1990s. Nokia has proven itself once again through the EDGE trial we recently conducted. Nokia is clearly our choice for EDGE," Brekke added.
Kristian Strand, Account Director, Nokia Networks said, "Nokia is proud to be the sole supplier to DTAC's GSM/GPRS/EDGE network. We will continue to work very closely work with DTAC to harmonize its existing network equipment. DTAC subscribers will benefit from the highest network quality service and enjoy up to three times faster speeds when browsing, downloading and sharing multimedia content."
In June 2003, DTAC launched DTAC Streaming, the first mobile multimedia service in Thailand. Developed by the DTAC-Nokia EASY Application Factory, the service delivers multimedia content over DTAC's Nokia GPRS/EDGE-ready nationwide network to DTAC subscribers with multimedia-enabled handsets such as the Nokia 3650.
Nokia has been in collaboration with DTAC since the 1990s. To date, Nokia has supplied DTAC with complete GSM systems and solutions comprising GSM core and radio networks, GPRS core network, the Nokia Multimedia Messaging Center (MMSC), the Nokia Short Message Service Center (SMSC), the Nokia Intelligent Network (IN) Platform and Network Consultancy Services.
About DTAC
DTAC is Thailand's leading wireless communications brand, with over 6 million customers. DTAC aims to make mobile communications easy, accessible and affordable, under a just and transparent pricing system.
About Nokia
A market leader in the cellular industry in Asia Pacific, Nokia provides innovative, industry leading and market-relevant technology and products to around 20 diverse markets in the region. Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and reliable 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.
Media Enquiries:
APAC Communications
Tel: +65 6723 1824/ +65 6723 1999
Email: communications.apac@nokia.com
www.nokia-asia.com
Nokia Networks
Global Communications
Tel: + 358 7180 38198
Email: networks.communications@nokia.com
www.nokia.com
Note to Editors
EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) is a GSM evolution. The first commercial products (like the Nokia 6200) will enable voice and data traffic at a speed of up to 118 Kbps. The maximum data speed of EDGE technology is 473 kbit/s. GSM network evolution to EDGE will enable an average of three times faster GPRS data connections using the existing 800, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz bands. End users will experience faster access to existing services and faster delivery of new and enhanced services via existing GSM frequencies.