Smart awards Nokia USD 117 million deal to expand GSM/EDGE network in The Philippines

UK and Worldwide, January 27, 2004 /Wi-Fi Technology News/- Nokia and SMART Communications, Inc. (SMART) have signed a contract worth approximately USD 117 million for Nokia to supply GSM/EDGE and next-generation equipment for Smart's network rollout in the Philippines

Smart's network rollout is aimed at increasing GSM network capacity to meet increasing demand in rural areas, in addition to enhancing innovative multimedia services over high quality EDGE network.

"We want to service our increasing subscriber base more efficiently and more innovatively. These investments will address our objectives on capacity expansion, preparation for future platforms, introduction of life-enhancing technologies, as well as continuous service quality improvements," said Ramon S. Fernandez, SMART's head for administration and materials management division.

"The enhancements of SMART's network will enable us to offer more powerful and user-friendly wireless services to our subscribers. This will also help us expand our network to more remote areas and to foray into new technologies," said Rolando Pe?a, SMART's head for network services division.

"Smart is a very aggressive company that is always on the look-out to deliver new services to their customers. This contract is designed to accelerate packet data based services - expect a lot of excitement to come for Smart customers, " says Markku Nieminen, Account Director for Smart, Nokia Networks.

Nokia has been working with Smart since 1998, providing comprehensive services for the operator's GSM/GPRS/EDGE infrastructure over this period.

In addition to increasing capacity and expansion issues, the agreement also covers solutions that will future-proof Smart's core network by using new technology efficiently.

The agreement also covers trial networks of new service-enabling solutions like Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC), Presence, and the IP Multimedia Subsystems (IMS).

In 2003, SMART and Nokia worked together in introducing the ConnectSite solution that has significantly improved rollout time frames and lowered installation costs for base stations, allowing SMART to provide telecommunication services in remote areas.

About SMART
SMART is the Philippines' leading wireless services provider with 12.9 million subscribers on its network as of end 2003. Of the total subscriber base served, 10.1 million are under the brands Smart Gold, Smart Buddy, Addict Mobile and Smart ACeS. The remaining 2.9 million subscribers are serviced through a reseller agreement with Piltel under the GSM brand Talk 'N Text. Since lauching its GSM service in 1999, SMART has introduced world-first wireless data services, including mobile commerce services such as Smart Money and Smart Load. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of the largest Philippines telecommunications carrier, the Philippine Long Distance Company (PLDT).

About Nokia
A market leader in the cellular industry in Asia Pacific, Nokia provides innovative, industry leading and market-relevant technology and products to around 20 diverse markets in the region.

Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia is dedicated to enhancing people's lives and productivity by providing easy-to-use and secure products like mobile phones, and solutions for imaging, games, media, mobile network operators and businesses. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on five major exchanges.

Enquiries:

Nokia
Communications
Tel. +358 7180 34900
E-mail: press.office@nokia.com

http://www.nokia.com

Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART)
Mon R. Isberto
Head, Public Affairs
Tel: +632 511 3101
+632 511 3106
Fax: +632 511 3100
E-mail: rrisberto@smart.com.ph; publicaffairs@smart.com.ph

http://www.smart.com.ph