Nokia & AT&T Wireless in the USA
Nokia and AT&T Wireless join to change the landscape of wireless in North America
Nokia Networks signs Letter of Intent with AT&T Wireless to supply AT&T Wireless with GPRS-ready 1900 MHz radio network systems and to support evolution to third-generation services
Nokia (NYSE:NOK - news) and AT&T Wireless services (NYSE:AWE ) have signed a letter of intent (LOI) for delivery of GPRS-ready radio network systems and future generation wireless terminals.
Nokia is a major radio network supplier chosen by AT&T wireless to enable deployment of a network that that will accelerate the availability of advanced third-generation (3G) wireless communications services in The United States.
The initial phase of the network is expected to be launched in the first half of 2001.
Nokia will deliver general packet radio service (GPRS)-ready, triple-mode (GSM/EDGE/UMTS) Nokia UltraSite base station radio solutions. In addition, the agreement includes planning and implementation services. This will enable the early deployment of 3G, or universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), services in the united states, thus enabling AT&T wireless to be one of the first carriers in the United States to offer advanced mobile multimedia and data services.
``Nokia today has a complete suite of base station hardware from Macrocell to Picocell that will allow AT&T Wireless Services to evolve with ease towards UMTS over the next several years. The modular hardware design will allow for swift deployment and flexible transformation of the network while extending the life of the 3G hardware,'' said Mohan Gyani, President and CEO of AT&T Wireless Services.
``Nokia has demonstrated that they have the know-how and can develop, deploy and deliver what the next generation customer needs'' Mohan Gyani said. ``Further, this technology choice, based on open standards and open interfaces, benefits from global economies of scale and will be cost-efficient to build and operate, add the highest value to end-users and offer opportunities for global seamless services.''
Nokia and AT&T Wireless share a common vision for how to evolve to third generation wireless technology in The United States, according to Tim Eckersley, Vice President, Nokia Networks. ``In 3G, the leaders will be those who understand the intricacies of mobility, Internet protocol (IP) and end-to-end solutions, as well as the rapid changes in consumer markets,'' Eckersley said. ``This unique cooperation represents a new era in the wireless industry, and we are excited to work together with AT&T Wireless to design and build this world-class 3G service platform for their customers.''
Deliveries to AT&T Wireless will include a 1900 MHz EDGE 3G radio system, with Nokia's triple-mode (GSM/EDGE/UMTS) UltraSite base stations incorporating GPRS functionality, base station controllers service integration, and planning and implementation services. Nokia plans to add UMTS capabilities when available, paving the way to more advanced service solutions for AT&T Wireless customers.
In addition to deployment of the base stations, Nokia will build a 1900 MHz EDGE/GPRS/UMTS test network on the AT&T Wireless campus in Redmond, Washington. The companies also will establish a solution creation center where they will develop mobile Internet technologies and applications. The center will be an environment where AT&T Wireless, Nokia Networks and Nokia Mobile Phones will come together to produce end-to-end solutions to offer multimedia services and applications to customers.
This solution creation center will build on Nokia's capabilities in networks, service platforms and terminals as well as AT&T Wireless's unique service offering and consumer expertise.
About AT&T Wireless
AT&T Wireless Services is among the world's premier wireless voice, data and fixed wireless communications companies, serving more than 15 million customers, including consumers, businesses and government. With annual revenues of more than $7 billion, AT&T Wireless Services provides service to customers around the world. |
