Nokia Signs USD 240 Million Contract with AT&T Wireless Services, Inc.

(October 3, 1996) Nokia, the world’s second largest manufacturer of mobile phones today announced it has signed a contract for dual band and dual mode phones with AWS (AT&T Wireless Services, Inc.) valued at USD 240 million.

The three-year agreement calls for Nokia to supply AWS with TDMA dual-band, dual mode handsets operating in the 800 Mhz or 1.9 Ghz range. The phones will also have a default capability to switch to analog networks when not operating in an AT & T Wireless digital network.

AWS will begin to deploy their new PCS systems based on 1900 MHz during 1997. When combined with their existing cellular networks, AWS networks will cover about 80% of the US population.

“We are pleased to be working with AWS on a project which will move us much closer to the industry’s goal of providing seamless digital wireless service to mobile subscribers,” said Kari-Pekka Wilska, head of American operations of Nokia Mobile Phones.

“Nokia’s commitment to digital TDMA coupled with their excellent handset quality led us to this contract. This new phone will allow our customers the flexibility to travel to all of our markets and utilize our various networks seamlessly,” said Maggie Wilderotter, Executive Vice President, National Operations at AT&T Wireless Services, Inc.

Nokia is an international telecommunications company with 1995 net sales of USD 8.4 billion. Nokia is Europe’s largest manufacturer of mobile telephones, a pioneer in digital switching and wireless communications, and a significant supplier of advanced access systems including home terminals. Nokia shares are traded in the New York, Helsinki, Stockholm, London, Paris and Frankfurt Stock Exchanges.

AT & T Wireless Services INC., is the largest U.S. provider of cellular service offering wireless voice, messaging, data and aircraft communications. The company has more than six million cellular customers.

(TDMA = Time Division Multiple Access
PCS = Personal Communication Services)