Nokia announces world's first GPRS roaming between M1 Singapore and Cable and Wireless HKT Mobile Services, Hong Kong

This trial leads the way towards global mobile packet data services. Operators will benefit from GPRS roaming by being able to provide their customers the same data services regardless of the network that they are visiting. In this instance, the two networks were connected with a secure virtual private network across the Internet using GPRS Border Gateway elements.

The Nokia GPRS system comprises of the Nokia SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node), Nokia GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node), the Nokia CG (Charging Gateway), Nokia Boarder Gateway and necessary IP backbone elements.

"This important step demonstrates that we can support cross network roaming traffic in the SGSN and GGSN interface. GPRS roaming will enable our customers to continue using their regular GPRS access points and services while roaming in foreign destinations," says Patrick Scodeller, Director, Engineering, M1.

Adam Wong, Director, Mobile Networks, Cable & Wireless HKT Mobile Services says; "Roaming is an essential part of GPRS services. Many GSM users have learned to expect continuity of their services, while abroad. This successful roaming verification gives us the confidence that GPRS services will meet customer's expectations."

"We are proud to announce this successful roaming with two frontrunner operators in Asia; a world first for us. Not only was inter-operator roaming demonstrated here, but also the interoperability of the roaming interface between the SGSN and the GGSN," says Petri Pöyhönen, Head of GPRS Business Program, Nokia Networks.

This announcement further strengthens Nokia's leadership position in GPRS. GPRS is an essential step for operators in their evolution towards 3rd Generation services as it provides the packet core technology for mobile Internet services.

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, fixed 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 55,000 people.