Nokia and Orange UK sign contracts worth EUR 800 million for GSM expansion and 3G UMTS radio network, reaffirming long cooperation

Nokia has signed contracts with Orange UK for the supply of 3G UMTS and GSM network expansion and 3G infrastructure. The agreements represent an extension of the companies' long-term cooperation in GSM networks, and reiterates their cooperation in 3G networks announced in April. The estimated investments under these contracts are worth over EUR 800 million over three years.

Initial delivery of the Nokia's 3G trial equipment for Orange UK and the Orange Group has been completed and will be followed by network rollout. Nokia will also provide telecom-related services, including project management, training, installation, commissioning, and technical support for both GSM and 3G networks.

The GSM expansion agreement, which extends Nokia's supply of Orange UK's network until December 2003, will improve data speeds, capacity and coverage of the existing GSM network.

"We are extremely pleased to have Orange reaffirm our successful 10-year relationship by choosing Nokia as a key partner in 3G infrastructure and services," said Ukko Lappalainen, Vice President, Customer Operations, Nokia Networks.

"This contract is a major milestone in our 3G UMTS investment decisions for both UK and the Orange Group. The experimental and test networks under this contract will serve all Group affiliates," said Didier Lebrat, Group Technical Director, Orange. "This is why for us it was absolutely critical to choose a strategic partner who we can trust for high value-added delivery of 3G."

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.

Orange is one of the leading providers of wirefree(TM) communications worldwide and one of the first truly pan-European providers of wirefree(TM) communications services. Orange has interests in wirefree(TM) communications businesses offering a broad range of voice and data communications. Orange SA is Europe's second largest mobile operator with operations in 20 countries across Europe and beyond. Orange aims to have operations in 50 countries worldwide by 2005.

Further information:

Nokia Networks
Communications Department
Tel. +358 7180 38195
Email nokia.networks@nokia.com

www.nokia.com