Nokia and Indian GSM operator IDEA Cellular Limited (IDEA) have today jointly demonstrated live mobile multimedia services over an EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) network in the Indian city of Delhi. IDEA has chosen Nokia's EDGE system to pilot data services that are on average three times faster than services delivered over GPRS.
"IDEA has always endeavoured to provide next generation technology, ahead of its time to its subscribers. While other players are still thinking about it, we have taken another step towards bringing the future to our customers and make their GSM experience richer and more value-added," said Mr. Vikram Mehmi, CEO, IDEA Cellular Ltd.,
"We are looking to deliver the world's best to our customers - and we chose Nokia, a leader in GSM/GPRS/EDGE mobile communications technologies, to launch our EDGE services. EDGE will help IDEA remain ahead of competition and consolidate its position to emerge as one of the top players in the cellular industry. "Our network is 100% EDGE compatible and we are fully ready to launch this next generation service in Delhi, " he added.
Nokia has delivered GSM/EDGE hardware to more than 60 customers in 35 countries with 21 public EDGE references.
Nokia has been working with IDEA since 1996, providing extensive set of services for the operator's GSM infrastructure.
"Nokia is happy to again work closely with IDEA as the chosen supplier for the EDGE pilot launch. We believe that IDEA's vision to provide high-quality mobile data services will position it well against the backdrop of an expected growth in data services," said Ashish Chowdhary, Country Head, India & South Asia, Nokia Networks, Asia Pacific.
About IDEA Cellular
IDEA is the leading cellular operator in the country, with a subscriber base of over 3 million across the country. With the acquisition of Escotel, IDEA Cellular has enhanced its footprint to cover around 60% of India's population and over 65% of the potential telecom-market. IDEA now has presence in 11 circles across the country.
Idea has established itself as a technology leader being the first to launch GPRS and MMS in its Delhi network. It has been the frontrunner in introducing revolutionary tariff plans and products catering to customer needs and is committed to providing a superior mobile experience to its customers. IDEA has many firsts to its credit, from introducing the SMS in 9 languages to Music Messaging with Cellular Jockey and an interactive Voice Portal with Say Idea.
IDEA Cellular Ltd. is a three-way-equal joint venture between Tata, Birla & AT&T, with its headquarters in Pune. Its' recent financial closure with a project cost of Rs. 5,000 crore was the largest ever in the Indian telecom history.
About Nokia
A market leader in the cellular industry in Asia Pacific, Nokia provides innovative, industry leading and market-relevant technology and products to around 20 diverse markets in the region.
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia is dedicated to enhancing people's lives and productivity by providing easy-to-use and secure products like mobile phones, and solutions for imaging, games, media, mobile network operators and businesses. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on five major exchanges.
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Notes to editors
On average EDGE bring three-fold faster bitrates than with GPRS. EDGE brings seamless coverage and capacity extension for 3G services, like streaming, high-quality video/audio clips, browsing and corporate data access. GSM/EDGE networks naturally operate in GSM bands and there is no need for operators to acquire new licences.
Nokia has a strong track record in implementing EDGE and has reached the global number one position in this technology. Nokia has delivered GSM/EDGE hardware to more than 60 customers in 35 countries with 21 public EDGE references
Nokia has launched 10 EDGE terminal models and one eM2M model (i.e. Nokia 12 machine-to-machine model) by today and estimates to sell more than 100 M EDGE capable terminals by 2005.
EDGE is a smooth upgrade to GSM network, providing data services on average three times as fast and at lower costs compared to today's GPRS technology. All mobile services benefit from EDGE.
EDGE brings seamless coverage and capacity extension for 3G services, like streaming, high-quality video/audio clips, and true mobility to web browsing and corporate data access. EDGE is a truly global technology, part of the GSM family. GSM/EDGE networks naturally operate in GSM bands and there is no need to acquire new licences.
Nokia considers EDGE to be complementary to WCDMA.