Nokia and VoiceStream Sign USD 500 Million GSM
Contract (Worth More Than $500 Million)
Largest single end-to-end system delivery - enabled for WirelessData in the US - Major supply contract for handsets, includingWAP-enabled phones
HELSINKI, Finland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 3, 2000-- Nokia and VoiceStream Wireless Corporation, the largest
GSM operator in the United States, have signed a multi-year agreement estimated to be worth more than $500 million.
The supply agreement will enable the major expansion of VoiceStream's GSM 1900 network and services, and bring
WAP-based mobile Internet services to consumers. Nokia will also provide wireless handsets to VoiceStream as part of
the agreement, including Nokia 7190 WAP-enabled phones. Deliveries will begin immediately.
The end-to-end system delivery includes the supply of the entire range of GSM network equipment including Nokia's
switching and radio networks that are enabled for packet data. This contract supports the expansion and upgrade of
VoiceStream's current network, as well as the construction of additional markets to expand VoiceStream's geographic
reach.
``We are pleased to have the opportunity to build on our long-term strategic relationship with Nokia. The continued
expansion of our GSM network and the delivery of Wireless Data services are a key part of our long-term business
strategy,' said Bob Stapleton, President of VoiceStream Wireless Corporation.
``We are proud of our continued relationship with VoiceStream, who, together with Nokia, first brought GSM to the North American market in 1995,' said Jyrki Salo, Senior Vice President, Nokia Networks, North America. ``This new contract underscores our commitment to the evolution and development of both VoiceStream and the emerging Mobile Information Society.'
``We are pleased to be a major handset provider to the single largest GSM operator in the United States,' said Rich Geruson, Senior Vice President, USA Sales & Marketing, Nokia Mobile Phones. ``Handsets must meet the growing
requirements in terms of easy viewing of information, easy text input, and fast and smart access to information without
sacrificing weight, size and performance. Nokia delivers on what consumers want, and expect. '
Combined, Nokia's network technology and the Nokia Artuse Messaging Platform will provide enhanced wireless data and
voice services for VoiceStream's subscribers. The Nokia Artuse Messaging Platform is a WAP (Wireless Application
Protocol) gateway, which enables a mobile phone user to easily and securely access information from the Internet or
corporate Intranet related services via WAP-enabled devices.
Nokia will also provide a full package of Professional Services, covering radio and data network planning, network
implementation and operating support services. |
