Successful completion of 3G All-IP multimedia rich call over BT wireless trial network in the UK

Nokia and BT wireless have successfully completed a 3G All-IP multimedia rich call, using a BT wireless trial All-IP system. This breakthrough in development of 3rd generation All-IP technologies included the testing of mobile Voice over IP and rich call applications such as video telephony, IP multimedia messaging and video streaming, based on the latest 3GPP International Standards.

The multimedia applications were provided by Nokia experimental All IP Mobility Core system and application servers, run over a trial 3G All-IP network. The system is based on industry-backed standard IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) required to cater for the hundreds of millions of users of the Mobile Internet, and to establish proper quality of service and security in IP networks. The provision of rich call and IP Multimedia messaging services utilized Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) that forms the heart of future All-IP multimedia and Mobile Internet service architectures. The services being trialled allow the users for the first time to be able to initiate and complete a number of different applications within a call session opening up major new product opportunities for the first time.

This is the first time all the fundamental building blocks of the 3G All-IP system were brought together as an integrated end-to-end system, and marks a significant industry milestone that Nokia and BT wireless have together established.

All-IP system enables the delivery of a range of services using a common IP platform providing new capabilities for BT wireless' affiliate networks, such as BT Cellnet, ESAT Digifone, Telfort and VIAG Interkom. Based on open Internet protocols, service creation languages and technologies, All-IP system provides seamless integration of communication services and Internet applications. By increasing the flexibility and rapidness of service creation, end-users can be delighted with completely new rich communication experiences. Furthermore, an IP platform will potentially reduce mobile network costs by enabling an integrated network infrastructure and optimized transmission system to be realised.

The IP multimedia collaboration wireless is part of the BT wireless trials and collaboration activities with strategic suppliers. Nokia and BT wireless will continue in a project exploring the benefits of an All-IP mobile Multimedia end-to-end network solution for 3G services, also based on IPv6 and SIP. In addition to deploying state-of-the art All-IP solutions for technology validation and exploration of new Mobile Internet services; Nokia and BT wireless will focus on proving the business cases for implementing an All-IP solution. The collaboration will provide a platform for determining how new services and applications can be rapidly introduced and how potential hurdles to new rich services can be eliminated. The project will also support the drive for open standards, which are necessary for 3G to be successful.

"This collaboration will give BT wireless, its associated ventures and Nokia state-of-the-art knowledge which could lead to world beating market propositions and brand enhancing products," said John Samarron, Chief Technology Officer, BT wireless, "We are pleased to have completed the first phase of the work with Nokia, which will help us to define and deliver new services in future 3G networks."

"The commercial success of 3G networks will be driven by services, and a common future proof IP platform is essential in making these services available," said Simon Beresford-Wylie, Vice President, Global Customers, Nokia Networks, "All-IP is fundamental to Nokia's vision for the era of new Mobile Services and with the successful completion of this call with BT wireless is an excellent opportunity for us to make our vision a reality."

Industry expectations are that packet-switched traffic will exceed circuit switched traffic in the mobility core network by 2005 and these trials will help in commercialising All-IP technology as a full mobile core network system solution. Nokia's commitment to open interfaces and therefore true freedom of choice and competition is shown in the company's determination to drive the open Iu interface and IPv6 to be adopted in 3G mobile networks.

BT wireless is an international leader in mobile communications. It is responsible for the development of all BT's global mobile services and direct in-country operations, as well as for BT's move into broadband mobile networks through the introduction of GPRS and third generation (3G) services globally. BT wireless is one of the new lines of business created by BT earlier last year as part of the company's major restructuring. It provides management focus for the company's wholly-owned mobile networks and joint ventures across the globe and strategic direction for its R&D investment in advanced technology, market research, product development and vendor engagement.

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 a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.

Further information:

BT Wireless:
Simon Gordon, BT wireless press officer
Tel. +44 207 356 5369
Email. simon.gordon@bt.com

Communications Department, Nokia Networks
Tel. + 358 7180 38195
Email nokia.networks@nokia.com

www.nokia.com