Nokia introduces EDGE for TDMA markets worldwide

(February 02, 2000) As end-user services evolve closer towards mobile multimedia, Nokia has introduced its Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE) technology solution for both GSM and TDMA networks.

Nokia's EDGE solution will boost the data rates and capacity in GSM and TDMA networks. As a bearer technology for both General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD), EDGE will enable the high-speed data rates of these technologies to be increased by up to three fold. Packet data user rates up to 473 kbit/s are achievable over EDGE.

The adoption of EDGE as the common air-interface technology by the GSM & TDMA operators will enable global roaming between these two types of networks.

Upgrading an existing GSM network to EDGE capability is simple with both the Nokia UltraSite and Nokia MetroSite high capacity solutions. They can support GSM, EDGE and WCDMA, in various combinations, giving operators complete flexibility to configure their network to meet the changing demands of subscribers.

For GSM900/GSM1800/GSM1900 operators, or TDMA 850/1900 MHz operators, implementing EDGE in the network gives a breakthrough into mobile multimedia applications using existing band allocation.

Nokia is at the forefront of the development of EDGE technology leading to a combination of the power of the Internet and the freedom of mobility. With Nokia's experience, the operator starting today with EDGE mobile data can accumulate the skills and know-how to build a strong position in the 3rd generation mass market for mobile multimedia applications.

Nokia is paving the way to the mobile information society with its innovative products and solutions. Nokia is the leading mobile phone supplier and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks, related services as well as multimedia terminals. In 1999, net sales totaled EUR 19.8 billion (USD 19.9 billion). Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is listed on the New York (NOK), Helsinki, Stockholm, London, Frankfurt and Paris stock exchanges and employs more than 55 000 people.

Notes to Editors:

In GSM systems these higher speed data services can be referred to as EGPRS (Enhanced GPRS) and ECSD (Enhanced Circuit Switched Data).

TDMA/ANSI-136 operators can deploy either two variations of EDGE, known as EDGE Classic and EDGE Compact, based on the amount of spectrum available. Both these variations are commonly referred to as EDGE and the high-speed data services in these systems are known as EGPRS-136HS.