Nokia and VoiceStream Wireless Corporation, the largest GSM operator in the United States, have signed a multi-year agreement estimated to be worth more than $500 million. The supply agreement will enable the major expansion of VoiceStream's GSM 1900 network and services, and bring WAP-based mobile Internet services to consumers. Nokia will also provide wireless handsets to VoiceStream as part of the agreement, including Nokia 7190 WAP-enabled phones. Deliveries will begin immediately.
The end-to-end system delivery includes the supply of the entire range of GSM network equipment including Nokia's switching and radio networks that are enabled for packet data. This contract supports the expansion and upgrade of VoiceStream's current network, as well as the construction of additional markets to expand VoiceStream's geographic reach.
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to build on our long-term strategic relationship with Nokia. The continued expansion of our GSM network and the delivery of Wireless Data services are a key part of our long-term business strategy," said Bob Stapleton, President of VoiceStream Wireless Corporation.
"We are proud of our continued relationship with VoiceStream, who, together with Nokia, first brought GSM to the North American market in 1995," said Jyrki Salo, Senior Vice President, Nokia Networks, North America. "This new contract underscores our commitment to the evolution and development of both VoiceStream and the emerging Mobile Information Society."
"We are pleased to be a major handset provider to the single largest GSM operator in the United States," said Rich Geruson, Senior Vice President, USA Sales & Marketing, Nokia Mobile Phones. "Handsets must meet the growing requirements in terms of easy viewing of information, easy text input, and fast and smart access to information without sacrificing weight, size and performance. Nokia delivers on what consumers want, and expect. "
Combined, Nokia's network technology and the Nokia Artuse Messaging Platform will provide enhanced wireless data and voice services for VoiceStream's subscribers. The Nokia Artuse Messaging Platform is a WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) gateway, which enables a mobile phone user to easily and securely access information from the Internet or corporate Intranet related services via WAP-enabled devices.
Nokia will also provide a full package of Professional Services, covering radio and data network planning, network implementation and operating support services.
Nokia can offer what few others in the industry can; a complete end-to-end wireless voice and data network solution, including WAP gateways, mobile terminals, browsers, and tools for WAP -based content creation and delivery. Nokia continues to set the pace in the industry with world class products and services across the entire spectrum of wireless operator needs.
Based in Bellevue, WA, VoiceStream is a leading, national provider of wireless communications services in the country. VoiceStream is the largest provider of personal communications service using the globally dominant GSM technology in the United States. VoiceStream is a member of the North American GSM Alliance LLC, a group of U.S. and Canadian digital wireless PCS carriers. The GSM Alliance helps provide GSM wireless communications for their customers in more than 3,500 U.S. and Canadian cities and towns as well as international service.
Nokia is paving the way to the mobile information society with its innovative products and solutions. The company 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, Nokia's 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.