Chinese operator Yunnan MCC taps Nokia to expand its GSM network

Nokia and Yunnan MCC have signed a contract for the further expansion of Yunnan MCC's GSM network. The expansion represents phase eight of Yunnan MCC's network expansion and will improve the network's coverage and capacity in addition to providing new services such as location-based services and USSD messaging. The total value of the contract is estimated at approximately 75 million USD.

Deliveries have already begun and the expanded network will be operational later this year.

Under the agreement, Nokia will provide infrastructure for GSM core and radio-access networks, as well as its mPosition location-services solution and USSD messaging solution. Nokia mPosition allows Yunnan MCC to offer value-added services based on the geographic location of the mobile subscriber. Unstructured Supplementary Services Data (USSD), being supplementary to popular SMS, enables Yunnan MCC to offer faster messaging services.

In addition to equipment, Nokia will provide extensive support services for fast network ramp-up, including project management, implementation, radio-network planning and optimization services. Nokia will also carry out several staff competence transfer programs including skills evaluation, classroom training and on-the-job training, and provide a wide range of care services with an extended local care team to support the customer to maintain the competitiveness of the network.

"We are very pleased to be extending our cooperation with Yunnan MCC," says David Ho, Vice President of Nokia Networks China "As we see it, our stable long-term relationship brings value to both our companies. With this particular expansion, Yunnan MCC not only grows its coverage and capacity, but also prepares to expand into new service areas such as location-based services."

"While fast network roll-out continues to be important for fast time to profit, the significant services portion of this contract shows Yunnan MCC recognizes that network optimization and competence transfer are also becoming crucially important," added David Ho.

A key infrastructure vendor to Yunnan MCC since 1996, Nokia has provided the majority of its GSM network. Yunnan MCC currently enjoys an 80% market share in Yunnan province.

Nokia is committed to long-term development and preferred partnership in China. With innovative technology, Nokia has continuously strengthened its market position in China as a leading supplier of mobile and broadband network systems and mobile phones. China is Nokia's second largest market. The company's investment in China has reached EUR 2.3 billion. Nokia has established more than twenty offices, eight joint ventures and two R&D centers, with over 5,000 employees in China.

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 broadband 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:

Communications Department, Nokia Networks
Tel. + 358 (0) 7180 38195
E-mail nokia.networks@nokia.com

www.nokia.com