Vodafone New Zealand and Nokia have agreed to trial the Nokia General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) core network solution
and Nokia's Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) platform.
Nokia will deliver its Internet Protocol (IP) core network infrastructure, including the Nokia Serving GPRS Support Node
(SGSN), the Nokia Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN), the Nokia Charging Gateway, and the Nokia Charging Centre. With
Nokia's GPRS solution, Vodafone will be able to provide true mobile Internet access to its subscribers - offering packet
switched data via the GSM network.
The GPRS core network is suitable for pre-commercial use and commercial use and could be suitable for commercial GPRS
services.
This agreement also sees the supply of Nokia's Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) platform, which allows Mobile
Internet services to be accessed through WAP enabled mobile phones and other devices. Vodafone will immediately begin
trials of WAP services, using the Nokia 7110 media phone, the Nokia Artus Messaging Platform WAP Gateway, and the Nokia
Artus MAX Server.
"Vodafone expect that demand for the Internet and enhanced wireless data services will increase rapidly over the next
few years - with the Nokia GPRS solution, Vodafone will be able to meet that demand and be at the forefront of
developments for mobile data services," said John Rohan, Managing Director, Vodafone New Zealand Ltd. "Nokia's GPRS not
only offers true packet data connections for Vodafone's GSM customers but, in addition, it makes more efficient use of
the networks resources, offering optimal connectivity for other advanced services, including those based on the Wireless
Application Protocol (WAP)."
"Nokia is proud to deliver its GPRS core network to Vodafone in New Zealand", said Phil Kemp, Managing Director, Nokia
New Zealand. "GPRS is a key element of the future Mobile Information Society, where end users will have the capability
to communicate and have secure access the Internet and intranet, independently of time or place. Our long relationship
with Vodafone will provide an ideal opportunity for Vodafone's customers to make the most of the benefits that mobility
and continuous connectivity will bring".
The Nokia GPRS solution offers the benefit of instant IP connectivity will offer true global mass market wireless access
to the Internet and other packet-based networks, as well as providing an essential stepping stone to third generation
(3G) networks.
Nokia can offer operators what few others in the industry can; a complete end-to-end WAP solution, including WAP
gateways, mobile terminals, browsers, tools for WAP-based content creation and delivery, end-user application platforms
and systems integration services. In addition to infrastructure, Nokia Professional Services provides comprehensive
service solutions for planning, deploying, managing and enhancing WAP solutions.
Vodafone New Zealand is part of the largest mobile telecommunications company in the world, Vodafone AirTouch PLC based
in Great Britain. The Vodafone group entered the New Zealand mobile telecommunications market with the purchase of
BellSouth New Zealand in November 1998. This network now covers more than 96% of New Zealand's population, operating
mobile phone and data services on the 900-megahertz radio frequency. Vodafone New Zealand offers mobile users the full
range of mobile services including callerID, faxMail, Text Messaging, emailPreview, and its Prepay product.
Nokia is paving the way to the mobile information society with its innovative products and solutions. Nokia 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, 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.
ENDS...