Nokia to expand Jiangxi Mobile Communications' GSM 900 network in China

Nokia has signed an agreement with Jiangxi Mobile Communication Corporation for the supply of equipment and services to expand the Chinese operator's GSM 900 network. The agreement, valued at 70 million USD, represents the largest single network-infrastructure contract signed by Jiangxi MCC since it was founded in August 1999. The network expansion will allow Jiangxi MCC to increase capacity, as well as improve coverage in its network. Deliveries have already begun.

Under terms of the agreement, Nokia will deliver high-capacity "i-series" mobile switching centers (MSCi) and home location registers (HLRi) to Jiangxi MCC. The i-series is Nokia's newest generation of GSM core-network equipment, providing high capacity in a compact and efficient design. Each MSCi has capacity for 400,000 subscribers, while each HLRi has the capacity to handle 1.2 million subscribers.

In addition, Nokia will provide a full package of professional services including Nokia Telecom Implementation, Project Management, Radio-Network Planning and Optimisation, Help Desk, On-site Support Service and training services.

Nokia remains the main GSM 900 core-network vendor for Jiangxi MCC, having supplied it with GSM 900 infrastructure since the launch of Jiangxi GSM network in 1995. With a customer base of one million subscribers, Jiangxi MCC provides GSM 900 service to the entire province of Jiangxi.

"Nokia and Jiangxi MCC have enjoyed fruitful cooperation for many years now, and this deal builds on our good relationship," said Wang Xiang, Account Director for China Mobile Communications Corporation East China, Nokia (China) Investment Co., Ltd. "The further expansion of Jiangxi Mobile Communications' network clearly demonstrates its drive to improve the quality of the services enjoyed by its customers. Nokia is very pleased to be helping Jiangxi MCC strengthen its mobile communication offering throughout the province."

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 20 representative offices, seven joint ventures, one wholly owned manufacturing plant and one R&D center, with over 5,500 employees in China. Nokia also has manufacturing premises in Suzhou Industrial Park, in the JianSu province of 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 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:
Communications Department, Nokia Networks
Tel. + 358 (0) 7180 38195
Email nokia.networks@nokia.com

www.nokia.com