Nokia launches the BSC3i, a new IP-capable member of its high-capacity base station controller family

Nokia has introduced the newest in its line of high-capacity base station controllers at the 3GSM World Congress in Cannes, France. The Nokia BSC3i provides operators of GSM/EDGE networks with cost-effective control of their radio-access network. It also features built-in IP switching, which means it will support new IP-related functionalities, such as the Gb-over-IP interface.

Deliveries will start during the fourth quarter of 2002.

The Nokia BSC3i provides very high packet- and circuit-switched capacity in a compact size, allowing operators to offer high operational efficiency and quality in their radio network, and thereby smooth the introduction of new services and functionality. The BSC3i is targeted at GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks and is an important step in the evolution toward the GSM/EDGE radio-access network (GERAN). Like all Nokia BSCs, the BSC3i provides full GSM-WCDMA interworking functionality.

Thanks to its advanced mechanical design, the Nokia BSC3i enhances the features and functionality of the existing BSC2i model by providing a significant capacity increase in a single compact cabinet. The BSC3i can handle 660 TRXs in the space of a single-cabinet, and therefore provides excellent means for efficient site usage and optimized operational costs.

As the latest evolution of the field-proven Nokia distributed computing platform, the BSC3i offers extreme reliability with a minimal downtime. The BSC3i provides the same high reliability as all Nokia BSC products by using redundant hot-standby units and intelligent fault-detection and isolation procedures.

The Nokia BSC3i's support for the Gb-over-IP interface means that the interface to the packet-switching core network provides an optimized means for transporting packet-switched traffic via a flexible and dynamic IP "pipe". Other interfaces supported by the BSC3i's IP connectivity are those needed for location-based services (the Lb interface) and for the evolution to the GSM/EDGE radio-access network (GERAN).

"The BSC3i is a clear indication of Nokia's commitment to continue answering the capacity needs of our customers," says Dr. Markku Ellilä, director of Radio Controller Business, Nokia Networks. "This base station controller responds to the capacity demands of mobile operators today, while providing the right solution for the evolution towards the next-generation All-IP networks of tomorrow."

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 one of the most broadly held companies in the world with listings on six major exchanges.

Further information:

Communications Department, Nokia Networks
Tel. + 358 (0) 7180 38195
E-mail nokia.networks@nokia.com

www.nokia.com