Nokia Supports Orange's 3G Launch in France and UK

Nokia Supports Orange's 3G Launch in France and UK

ESPOO, Finland, December 15/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nokia welcomes the launch of Orange's commercial WCDMA 3G service in
France and the UK. Nokia is one of Orange's main suppliers of radio access
network equipment and 3G terminals in both countries, and has closely
supported Orange throughout the long process leading up to this important
service launch.



"We are extremely pleased to be a key partner for Orange in this
milestone service launch in two key markets," said Tommi Uitto, Sales
Director for Orange, Networks, Nokia. "We are happy to be developing 3G
broadband mobile services together with Orange. We see this as a sure sign of
the trust that Orange places in Nokia's solutions and our ability to provide,
deploy and support winning systems and products, both in networks and
terminals."



"We are also proud that Nokia is the only supplier being selected by
Orange to supply a complete end-to-end solution, including both
infrastructure and terminals," added Damien Sante, Account Director for
Orange France, Networks, Nokia. "In April this year, Orange France used a
Nokia radio-access network in Toulouse to launch the first pre-commercial 3G
network in France. Building on that experience was key to enable Orange and
Nokia to fine-tune the 3G network to achieve today's high quality of service
and full maturity for a full commercial launch, even in dense areas."



A customized version of the Nokia 6630 will be available soon for Orange
France, meeting all Orange's requirements regarding video streaming, video
conferencing, and web surfing.



Beginning in 2002, Nokia has been building a large portion of Orange
France's radio access network drawing on its large expertise in services. In
2003, Nokia was reaffirmed as a major WCDMA 3G radio-network supplier to
Orange in France and the UK after a thorough evaluation of previous supply
agreements. Network coverage is now well optimized and capacity will increase
further in the coming months.



Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and
sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to
each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and
innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging,
games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services
for network operators and corporations. www.nokia.com.



Source: Nokia

Media Enquiries: Communications, Networks, Nokia, Tel. +358-7180-38198, E-mail: networks.communications@nokia.com; Nokia, Communications, Tel. +358-7180-34900, E-mail: press.office@nokia.com; www.nokia.com


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