Nokia and AT&T Wireless sign agreement for EDGE equipment expanding GSM markets in North America
June 13, 2002
Nokia Networks sole supplier of EDGE-ready 1900 MHz radio network systems in key
US markets for evolution to third-generation services
Nokia and AT&T Wireless Services, Inc., today announced they have signed an
agreement for the delivery of GSM/GPRS/EDGE radio network systems to enable
multimedia applications and high-speed packet-based access to the mobile
Internet. Nokia will be the sole supplier for the radio access network that will
bring next generation services to key markets which AT&T Wireless received
through its purchase of TeleCorp PCS, Inc.
Under the agreement, Nokia will provide its EDGE-capable UltraSite base station
solution, which addresses the growing demand for higher voice and data traffic
in today's mobile networks. An industry-leading product, Nokia UltraSite can
support GSM, High Speed Data, GPRS, and EDGE technologies. By optimizing the use
of available spectrum, operators can employ EDGE to achieve transmission speeds
of up to 473 kbps, allowing them to build higher-capacity data and voice
networks.
Nokia will also provide extensive support services, including a Network
Deployment Package, which covers GSM/GPRS/EDGE implementation, project
management and optimization, and the Nokia Care Package to maintain the
competitiveness of the network after rollout.
This expansion includes markets from the recently acquired AT&T affiliate,
TeleCorp, serving Alabama, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee,
Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands, further enhancing AT&T's
nationwide footprint.
"Nokia has consistently demonstrated its expertise in this market and is
successfully paving the way for EDGE in the Americas. The combination of Nokia's
world class next-generation products and its proven track record will enable
AT&T Wireless to seamlessly evolve its network toward UMTS," said Greg Slemons,
executive vice president, Wireless Network Services, AT&T Wireless. "Nokia has
what it takes to develop and deliver a complete evolution strategy for
next-generation technologies."
"We are pleased to further extend our cooperation with AT&T Wireless and are
excited to bring our joint vision of a nationwide 3G network even closer to
reality," said Terri Beck, customer business team vice president, Nokia
Networks. "We believe AT&T Wireless's unique service offerings and consumer
know-how combined with Nokia's expertise in networks, service platforms and
terminals will ensure a world-class end-user experience."
Nokia's 3G infrastructure is based on open standards, platforms and interfaces
for a smooth evolution to commercial 3G services. It includes integrated
end-to-end solutions, including charging, security, network management and
service control applications. Nokia already offers a full range of support
services and solutions to help network providers differentiate in today's
fast-changing business environment and rapidly build out 3G networks.
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 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
19.5 million subscribers, and full-year 2001 revenues exceeding $13.6 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.