"Nokia is working vigorously to shape the future of mobile networks with advanced multimedia services," says Dr. J.T. Bergqvist, Executive Vice President, Nokia Networks. "The success of mobile industry is built upon openness, interoperability, the right timing, and operators' flexibility in positioning themselves in the value chain."
"We see that open, non-proprietary platforms will drive the industry forward by introducing greater efficiencies," he adds. "Interoperability will enhance user experience by giving seamless service access in different networks. Lower costs and faster time-to-market will strengthen competition among vendors and bring better service for operators. Flexible positioning in the value chain for operators will enable creative business models that can provide enhanced services with third-party offerings. Nokia is clearly in a strong position to take network operators to the next wave of mobile services. At Cannes this year, we are showcasing a number of initiatives that will strengthen our leadership position as a mobility networks vendor."
Creating profitable business with IP in today's mobility networks
Nokia is introducing the Intelligent Edge, a new "service-aware" capability to enhance existing packet core networks. Intelligent Edge helps operators add value to basic connectivity services by offering different services at different prices, based on the demand for the services, rather than charging a single fixed price-per-bit for all traffic. It gives operators the tools needed for better management of revenue from new services, thereby providing them with new possibilities for positioning themselves in the value chain. It also brings new convenience for end users through the innovative service switching that allows networks to connect different services without complex configurations in the terminals.
The IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) as specified by 3GPP/3GPP2 is a key building block of Intelligent Edge. IMS enables new kinds of applications in mobile devices for person-to-person information sharing and interaction.
The Intelligent Edge is access independent, equally applicable to GSM/GPRS/EDGE/WCDMA/
cdma2000, as well as to DSL and WLAN networks.
cdma2000, as well as to DSL and WLAN networks.
Within Intelligent Edge, Nokia is launching the Nokia IP Multimedia Core and Nokia Intelligent Content Delivery solutions. Both solutions use the new Nokia FlexiServer open carrier-grade server platform. Nokia will be demonstrating Intelligent Edge at Cannes using live equipment.
A key application utilizing the IP Multimedia Core is a "push to talk" direct-call solution for GPRS systems. At Cannes, Nokia is announcing joint cooperation with other manufacturers to ensure an open and compatible technology base for this form of two-way immediate communication.
Moving GSM evolution forward
The evolution of GSM/GPRS to EDGE/WCDMA 3G is proceeding as a growing number of operators continue to deploy 3G networks and launch advanced multimedia services. Nokia WCDMA 3G networks have now reached commercial maturity and the testing focus is now increasingly on WCDMA/GSM multivendor integration. To date, the interoperability of Nokia's commercial WCDMA network has been successfully verified with eight different terminals and with six network suppliers' equipment. WCDMA/GSM intersystem handover has been tested with all the terminal and network suppliers supporting the functionality. Numerous operator-controlled pilots involving commercial network systems and the Nokia 6650 are ongoing, and the first 3GPP compliant WCDMA 3G service has been launched in Japan.
In line with this progress, Nokia's WCDMA 3G technology is evolving with new, enhancing software upgrades and product releases that bring cost-efficient boosts in capacity to handle the mass roll-out of 3G services. At Cannes, Nokia is detailing its 3GPP Release 4 compliant WCDMA system release 2, which will speed up these enhancements.
Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) boosts data rates by three-fold compared to GPRS. During 2002 Nokia has delivered GSM/EDGE 3G capable base station hardware to 36 operators in 23 countries on all continents. With a software upgrade to their GSM/GPRS networks these operators can create an end-to-end EDGE 3G capable system. During first half of 2003, Nokia will trial GSM/GPRS/EDGE 3G system capabilities in all four frequency bands (800/900/1800/1900 MHz) in 15 commercial networks. Nokia expects several commercial EDGE 3G launches in mid-2003, complemented by the Nokia 6200 GSM/GPRS/EDGE 3G terminal, launched in November 2002.
At Cannes, Nokia will be demonstrating these developments in GSM evolution and is demonstrating multimedia services over Orange France's live experimental WCDMA network. Nokia will also be demonstrating the readiness of EDGE in a live system.
Reaching a new level of efficiency in voice networks
As voice traffic will continue to be the most important business for operators for some time to come, they must find greater operational efficiencies in their circuit-switched core networks. The Nokia MSC Server implements packet technology within core networks in order to optimize voice traffic and network operation. The MSC Server supports both traditional GSM systems and 3G circuit-switched traffic, making it possible to build and operate multimode networks more efficiently. This allows operators to squeeze the most revenue out of basic voice traffic. The Nokia MSC Server is compliant with 3GPP Release 4 standards, providing open interfaces and interoperability with other vendors.
Reducing operating costs
Nokia is also launching its Operations Solutions to reduce operating costs while improving network and service quality. These customized solutions address the key challenges of today's environment by helping operators improve operational efficiency, raise mobile service quality and ensure a smooth technology and service evolution. Operations Solutions combine the strengths of expert operator services and Nokia NetActTM, which is built on Nokia's strategic OSS service and network management architecture. These operator services focus on optimizing network quality and network operations efficiency, as well as integrating new solutions into operators' existing environments.
Nokia Operations Solutions demonstrate a continuing commitment, based on years of experience and the expertise to help operators achieve the most cost efficient solution for their network operations. Nokia believes that this approach will not only help operators reduce their OPEX (operational expenditures) but will help them enjoy a permanent, positive impact on their cash flow.
About Nokia
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. (Int.) + 358 (0) 7180 38198
E-mail: networks.communications@nokia.com
www.nokia.com