Nokia chosen as main 3G supplier to 3G Infrastructure Services AB, the joint venture in Sweden, in landmark network-sharing deal

Nokia and 3G Infrastructure Services AB, a Swedish joint venture for 3G network-sharing, have signed an agreement for the supply of 3G network infrastructure, including the exclusive supply of the UMTS core network. In addition, Nokia will supply its radio-access network solution and provide technical network operation services.

The deliveries of 3G infrastructure will begin in October 2001.

"Our owners' requirements of construction times and cost-efficiency at the initial stage, as well as future operating security, present us with a unique challenge," says Jan Edhäll, Chief Executive Officer, 3G Infrastructure Services AB. "We are satisfied that Nokia's 3G system and committed support from Professional Services fullfills our requirement of sharing the infrastructure in a cost-efficient manner, while also maintaining top-level quality," he adds.

In addition to the supply of network equipment for a shared network solution, Nokia will provide a Network Deployment Package for the network rollout, as well as care services. Furthermore, Nokia will provide a complete set of services for operation of the network for a period of three years.

"We feel that network sharing is a very important strategy for many operators in today's market," says Ian McCaig, Vice President Customer Business Team Hutchison, Nokia Networks. "And so we are delighted that 3G Infrastructure Services AB has chosen us as the main supplier for this, one of the world's first network sharing agreements between 3G UMTS license holders."

"We feel that Nokia's UMTS solution is ideally suited for the kind of tight interoperability required in network sharing arrangements. In particular, the Nokia radio-access network solution is designed to minimize costs through equipment pooling and innovative software features. And Nokia has developed detailed plans for all levels of multi-operator network operation, from site sharing to shared network operation and maintenance," he adds.

3G Infrastructure Services AB is a joint venture set up by telecom operators Hi3G Access and Europolitan Vodafone in order to share network infrastructure during the built-out of 3G UMTS networks in Sweden. 3G Infrastructure Services AB's will build and operate a network that covers 70% of the Swedish population. Hi3G Access and Europolitan Vodafone have equal stakes in the joint venture. Each partner in the joint venture has been granted 3G licenses to provide 3G service to almost 100% of the Swedish population. In August 2001 Nokia and Europolitan Vodafone signed an agreement for the delivery of UMTS networks for Europolitan Vodafone.

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.



Hi3G Access AB is 60% owned by Hutchison Whampoa and 40% by Investor AB. Europolitan Vodafone is 71% owned by Vodafone.

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

www.nokia.com