KG Telecom launches Taiwan's first commercial GPRS mobile network provided by Nokia

KG Telecom has launched Taiwan's first GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) network, which meets the industry's latest commercial standards. The launch comes less than four months after Nokia and KG Telecom completed the installation of the Nokia GPRS core network.

The Nokia GPRS system meets the SMG31 standard, which is the basis for complete compatibility with equipment from other vendors, as well as providing the ability to roam between operator networks. Roaming with GPRS is a fundamental requirement in order to make future global mobile Internet services possible, based on agreements with operators in various countries around the world.

As Taiwan's leading operator, KG Telecom will be able to provide new GPRS services to its 2.8 million subscribers. An early launch of packet radio services is essentially the first step towards 3G and operators can begin to introduce new Mobile Internet services and applications today.

"We are moving forward in preparing ourselves for the 3rd generation of mobile communications. The launch of GPRS services is crucial in gaining a key position in introducing future mobile broadband services with the maximum quality," said Jimmy Yau, President & COO, KG Telecom. "Nokia is leading the supply and integration of GPRS networks and with the convergence of the Internet and mobile communications, GPRS and multi-media services are the important milestones."

"We are proud to continue this close working relationship with KG Telecom. Nokia has built up the global and local knowledge around GPRS and this expertise is helping our customers be the first in the launch of their services," says Petri Reijonen, General Manager, Nokia Networks, Taiwan. "KG Telecom and Nokia worked together to complete successful GPRS trials earlier this year and this is another excellent example of our co-operation."

Demand for new, innovative Internet related services is a growing trend that is driving mobile usage in networks today. GPRS will offer true global mass market wireless access to the Internet and other packet-based networks. For mobile users, GPRS brings the enjoyment of continuous connectivity to the Internet, and opens up a host of new applications, using corporate Intranet or a WAP portal, for fast access to new content-rich services, through Internet surfing and e-mail.

The Nokia GPRS solution includes the industry's strongest and most efficient core GPRS system and Connecting@Care support services including applications consultancy and systems integration expertise to integrate the GPRS core network into the existing service delivery and billing environment. Since August 1999, Nokia has delivered and implemented close to 50 GPRS core networks to leading operators in Europe, USA, Asia and China, and now has the largest installed base of any supplier. All of Nokia's GPRS system deliveries are SMG31 compliant and support non-proprietary interfaces to the customer care and billing systems.

Nokia is paving the way to the Mobile Information Society with its innovative products and solutions. The company is the leading mobile phone supplier and a leading supplier of mobile, broadband and IP networks, related services as well as multimedia terminals. In 1999, Nokia's net sales totaled EUR 19.8 billion (USD 19.9 billion). Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is listed on the New York (NOK), Helsinki, Stockholm, London, Frankfurt and Paris stock exchanges and employs more than 60,000 people.

Further information:
Communications Department, Nokia Networks
Tel: +358 9 5113 8195, Fax: +358 9 5113 8199
Email: nokia.networks@nokia.com
www.nokia.com