Nokia and AT&T Wireless Conclude Initial Development and Testing Agreement to Evolve All-IP Networks
March 19, 2002
Nokia Networks and AT&T Wireless Gain Practical Experience to Bring First 3G Services
to North America
Nokia and AT&T Wireless today announced that they have successfully concluded their
joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop and test advanced enhancements
supporting the evolution of an All IP-Network. The two companies, which are collaborating
on high speed 3G technologies known as Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution
(EDGE) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), gained the experience
during a series of lab trials to bring the first 3G services to North America.
"The finalization of this agreement validates the use of All-IP technologies with
EDGE and UMTS to ensure that advanced multimedia applications will become a reality
for consumers," said Roderick Nelson, senior vice president and chief technology
officer, AT&T Wireless. "As data usage among consumers intensifies, operators and
vendors must work together to dramatically lower the cost-per-bit to carry this
growth explosion. AT&T Wireless and Nokia share the vision of All-IP networks and
the incredible breadth of services that this technology will provide."
All-IP networks will enable new applications including simultaneous delivery of
voice and data, advanced multimedia applications such as high speed video streaming,
rich calls and voice over IP (VoIP). Through All-IP Network architecture and services,
carriers can not only optimize their networks for voice and data to migrate their
systems from 2G to 3G, but they can reduce capital and operational costs through
cost-competitive architecture.
"Together with AT&T Wireless, we have demonstrated our joint vision to make All
IP-networks a reality," said Timothy Eckersley, senior vice president, Nokia Networks.
"We look forward to a long and strong relationship with AT&T Wireless, and a continued
collaboration to bring advanced 3G services to end users."
Major milestones during the successful 18-month project included rich call, VoIP,
using Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) call control, Adaptive Multi-Rate speech
codec (AMR), streaming audio and video, simultaneous voice and data calls with Quality
of Service (QoS) scheduling, developing and testing EDGE and UMTS technologies that
will be the foundation of 3G multimedia services. In addition, the tests validated
key technologies of the Nokia All-IP solution: Ipv6 and IP-based Service Architecture,
which is expected to be available in the first half of 2003.
All IP mobility core for 3G is critical as it supports and enables packet data transmission
in the network, giving the capability for a range of new IP-based services to be
delivered to future terminals as well as bringing smooth interactivity with Internet
services.
AT&T Wireless and Nokia have signed a multi-million dollar agreement for the delivery
of GPRS and EDGE-ready radio network systems and future generation wireless terminals.
Nokia was chosen by AT&T Wireless to enable deployment of a network that that will
accelerate the availability of advanced third-generation (3G) wireless communications
services in the United States.
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 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 one of the most broadly held companies
in the world with listings on six major exchanges.
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. We operate one
of the largest digital wireless networks in North America. With more than 16.4 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, we offer customers high-quality mobile wireless communications
services, voice or data, to businesses or consumers, in the U.S. and internationally.
AT&T Wireless Customer Advantage is our 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.