Nokia to supply GPRS core network and GSM expansion to Total Access Communications (TAC) in Thailand valued at USD 150 million

Nokia and Total Access Communications (TAC) in Thailand have signed a contract for the expansion of the TAC GSM network. The deal, valued at over USD 150 million includes the supply of Nokia's GPRS core network solution and Intelligent Network platforms, as part of a frame agreement.

Nokia has been supporting TAC at every stage of its network evolution since its GSM 1800 service launch in 1992. The agreement includes the supply of high capacity mobile switching equipment, unique high capacity base station controllers and Nokia's GPRS core network solution, as well as an option to order Nokia's UltraSite base station solution, which answers the increasing demand for higher voice and data traffic in today's mobile networks to move towards the Mobile Internet era. An industry leading product, Nokia UltraSite can support GSM, High Speed Data, GPRS, EDGE and WCDMA for 3G technologies.

"TAC is firmly committed to providing our growing subscriber base with the best service offerings," said Mr Boonchai Bencharongkul, Chairman and Managing Director of TAC. "The expansion of our existing network with the inclusion of this GPRS solution, places TAC to the forefront in providing mobile Internet services in the country. TAC is certainly planning to soon bring GPRS into commercial operation service to subscribers."

"With this contract, TAC will be well-positioned to offer new services to its customers and prepare implementation of mobile Internet services in Thailand," said Pekka Uusimaa, Managing Director, Nokia Thailand. "With this contract, Nokia continues to be recognized as the long-term partner in TAC's modernization process and as the leading supplier of mobile Internet systems and services."

Total Access Communication Plc, or TAC was founded on August 31,1989. It has been a leading cellular operator providing mobile communications services in Thailand. TAC has offered both analog (WorldPhone 800) and digital cellular services (WorldPhone 1800)
using the 800 MHz frequency band and 1800 MHz frequency band respectively. Internet is
also provide with increased efficiency. WorldPhone 800 and WorldPhone 1800 systems have nationwide coverage of 98% and 70 % of area. TAC is expanding digital coverage continuously. By the end of 2001, more than one thousand new cell sites will be added to the system.

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 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.


Contact information:
Communications Department, Nokia Networks
Tel. + 358 7180 38193
Email nokia.networks@nokia.com

www.nokia.com