Nokia and Jiangxi Mobile Communications Company have signed supply and service contracts for the expansion of the Chinese mobile operator's GSM network. The expansion, which is valued at approximately 20 million USD, will include radio-access network equipment to extend coverage to 90% of the villages and towns in Jiangxi province. The contracts also include implementation, network planning and optimization services.
Under the agreements, Nokia will supply the first UltraSite base stations to be deployed in Jiangxi MCC. Deliveries have already started, and the expansion is targeted for completion by the end of 2001.
The Nokia UltraSite base station solution answers the increasing demand for higher voice and data traffic in today's mobile networks and the evolution to the Mobile Internet era. An industry-leading product, Nokia UltraSite can support GSM, High Speed Data, GPRS, EDGE and WCDMA for 3G technologies.
In addition to network equipment, Nokia will provide its Network Deployment Package, which covers implementation and project management, as well as extensive GPRS training solutions to maintain the competitiveness of the network after roll-out.
"We are delighted to continue our cooperation with Jiangxi Mobile Communications to bring the latest in GSM service to this important market," said Antti Wäre, Vice President, System Business, Nokia (China) Investment Co., LTD. "Over the years, Jiangxi Mobile Communications has successfully met the needs of its customers. With this latest network expansion, it is now in an excellent position to build on these early successes by strengthening its coverage to more remote areas in the province."
Nokia has been a major supplier of Jiangxi MCC's radio-access network, and the sole supplier of its core network, having supplied it with GSM 900 infrastructure since the launch of Jiangxi's GSM network in 1995. Jiangxi MCC provides over two million subscribers with GSM 900 service covering the entire province of Jiangxi.
Nokia is committed to a long-term development and preferred partnership in China. With innovative technology, Nokia has continuously strengthened its market position as a leading supplier of mobile and broadband network systems and mobile phones in China. China is Nokia's second largest market in the world. Nokia's investment in China has surpassed USD 1.7 billion. Nokia has established over twenty representative offices, eight joint ventures and one R&D center, with over 5,500 employees in China.
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.
Further information:
Nokia Networks
Communications Department
Tel. + 358 7180 38195
E-mail: nokia.networks@nokia.com
www.nokia.com