Leading Philippine mobile operator Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART) and Nokia Networks announced the successful completion of the first EDGE call in the country. Done using the GSM testbed facility of SMART, the test call paves the way for the nationwide deployment of EDGE in the Philippine carrier's cellular network.
Under a memorandum of understanding, SMART will activate EDGE in its GSM networks upon delivery of the Nokia EDGE software. Since late 2001, SMART has been deploying Nokia GSM equipment such as higher-capacity UltraSite and MetroSite base stations that are upgradeable to General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and EDGE.
"We are pleased to take the next evolutionary step forward in GSM technology while leveraging and maximizing our existing networks. As we strengthen our market leadership, SMART is also bolstering its technology leadership. With EDGE, SMART will bring the quality of our network services to a higher level." said Napoleon L. Nazareno, SMART president and CEO.
"SMART continues to be aggressive in the delivery of leading mobile solutions in the Philippines. This agreement further demonstrates our strong relationship and we are very excited about the nationwide EDGE rollout." explains Markku Nieminen, Account Director for SMART, Nokia Networks.
"SMART is taking full advantage of GSM's evolution to higher levels of mobile technology, from the broad range of applications that can be used globally to the cost-efficient steps in network enhancements, as well as the global economies of scale for handsets," he adds.
"SMART's decision to deploy upgradeable systems early on now allows the Company to make a smooth quick transition to EDGE," said Ramon S. Fernandez, SMART head for administration and materials management division.
Since 1998, Nokia has been supplying SMART with complete GSM systems and solutions comprising of Nokia Base Station Subsystems, Nokia Operations Support System, Nokia Switching Subsystem, and GPRS Core Network, Nokia Short Message Service Center (SMSC) and Multimedia Messaging Service Center (MMSC). Nokia has also helped to plan, deploy, integrate and optimize SMART's network solutions and has continuously provided care services that help maintain network availability and enhance network performance.
Globally, Nokia has delivered GSM/EDGE hardware since December 2001. By now, Nokia has delivered EDGE-capable GSM hardware in volumes to 28 operators in 19 countries. This spring, Nokia will have fourteen (14) EDGE trials in all continents. Many other Nokia customers are expected to join the global EDGE deployments. Earlier this year, Nokia also announced EDGE deals with America Movil in Colombia and in Ecuador. These were followed by the first successful EDGE call with DTAC of Thailand.
Nokia announced last November the world's first triple-band 800/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE terminal, the Nokia 6200, for the Americas market. More recently, Nokia announced a triband (GSM/GPRS/EDGE 900/1800/1900) EDGE terminal, the Nokia 6220, for Asia Pacific and European markets. Nokia plans to introduce EDGE as a standard feature in most of its GPRS terminals from the second half of 2003 onwards.
SMART is the Philippines' leading wireless services provider with over 9 million subscribers as of February 2003. SMART has been continuously innovating on wireless technology, having introduced world-first services, in the fields of mobile commerce and mobile value-added services. SMART is a wholly owned subsidiary of the largest Philippine telecommunications carrier, the Philippine Long Distance Company (PLDT).
A market leader in the cellular industry in the Asia-Pacific region, Nokia provides innovative, industry-leading and market-relevant technology and products among twenty (20) diverse markets in the region.
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 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:
Nokia Networks
Global Communications Department, Nokia Networks
Tel. (Int.) +358 (0) 7818- 38198
Email: networks.communications@nokia.com
www.nokia.com
Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART)
Mon R. Isberto
Head, Public Affairs
Tel. +632 511 3101 or +632 511 3106
Fax +632 511 3100
Email: rrisberto@smart.com.ph
publicaffairs@smart.com.ph
www.smart.com.ph