Nokia and AT&T Wireless Services complete first live 3G EDGE call

(November 01, 2001)

Technology first offers wireless carriers an additional option for deploying 3G services

(November 1, 2001) -- REDMOND, WA -- Nokia (NYSE: NOK) and AT&T Wireless Services (NYSE: AWE) today completed the first live EDGE data call using GSM/EDGE technology and a live GSM network environment -- a major milestone for the world's most popular digital wireless standard.

The call was made using the 1900 MHz Nokia UltraSite base station, prototype Nokia EDGE handsets and the release '99 standard that will be available for commercial deployment of GSM/EDGE. The call used EDGE 8-PSK modulation in both directions in the air interface. The data call was made using an EDGE handset connected with a laptop to the Internet for web browsing and streaming applications. Wireless carriers operating GSM and TDMA plan to deploy 3G EDGE in their networks next year.

"Today's call reinforces our technology choice and commitment to bring multimedia wireless services, such as CD-quality audio and streaming video, to our customers," said Rod Nelson, chief technology officer for AT&T Wireless Services. "EDGE is an integral part of our long-term strategy and now other carriers are reinforcing it as the right choice for carriers that want to deliver 3G services both in the U.S. and globally."

EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution) is the radio technology that allows operators to increase both data speeds and throughput capacity 3-4 times over GPRS. By optimizing the use of available spectrum, EDGE can achieve transmission speeds up to 473 kbps. Operators building higher-capacity data and voice networks can enjoy considerable cost savings with EDGE by upgrading software in existing GSM/GPRS sites.

"A major benefit of EDGE is that it enables existing TDMA carriers as well as GSM carriers to offer 3G services while still realizing lower costs due to higher spectral efficiency and higher data rates," says Terri Beck, Vice President, Nokia Networks. "Nokia believes that a single network solution offering GSM/GPRS/EDGE and WCDMA will allow carriers to benefit from GSM global economies of scale, including higher revenue streams, increased network efficiency and lower overall costs.

GSM is the most extensively used digital cellular network technology in the world with more than 600 million subscribers worldwide and successful deployments in over 170 countries. Offering GSM enhanced with GPRS and EDGE will bring new 3G opportunities to carriers operating in the 800, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz bands and will enable full global roaming between the Americas, Europe and Asia.

The companies noted that on Tuesday, Cingular, the second largest wireless carrier in the United States, announced it would begin deploying GSM/GPRS this year with plans to migrate to EDGE for 3G services.

The GSM Association has estimated that GSM and its evolution to next-generation EDGE and WCDMA will account for over 85% of next-generation subscribers, showing continued growth due to conversions from TDMA and CDMA. 

About AT&T Wireless
AT&T Wireless (NYSE: AWE) is the largest independently traded wireless carrier in the United States, following our split from AT&T on July 9, 2001. AT&T Wireless operates one of the largest digital wireless networks in North America. With more than 17.1 million subscribers, and full-year 2000 revenues exceeding $10.4 billion, AT&T Wireless is committed to being among the first to deliver the next generation of wireless products and services. Today, AT&T Wireless offers customers high-quality wireless voice and data communications services in the U.S. and internationally. AT&T Wireless Customer Advantage is the company's commitment to ensure that customers have the right equipment, the right calling plan, and the right customer services options -- today and tomorrow. For more information, please visit us at www.attwireless.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 a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges. For more information, please visit www.nokia.com.