Nokia Supports Ukrtelecom in Launching the First WCDMA 3G/HSDPA Network in Ukraine

ESPOO, Finland, October 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nokia and Ukrainian fixed line and broadband operator, Ukrtelecom JSC, have signed a three-year frame agreement for the supply of 3G core and radio network as the operator is extending its services to the mobile domain. Nokia will support Ukrtelecom's Utel branch in opening the first WCDMA 3G/HSDPA network in Ukraine which will enable the operator to provide new end-user services, such as high speed data transfer for WAP, Internet access, video calls, and streaming for video and audio. The network will be launched in the Kiev area, from where it can be rolled out to other parts of the country. The deal marks a new customer for Nokia.

Nokia will be the sole supplier of Utel's core and radio network covering the Kiev area. The contract includes Nokia's innovative 3G radio solutions, such as the modular, high capacity Nokia Flexi WCDMA Base Station, and the Nokia High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) software. The network will be supported by the multivendor, multitechnology Nokia NetAct(TM) network and service management system. Nokia will integrate value-added services platforms and a billing solution in the network, and provide network planning, implementation and training services.

"We are proud to be the first to launch a WCDMA 3G/HSDPA network in Ukraine. Our new services will be launched first in the capital city, which means that they will be serving Ukrainian citizens, business life, as well as foreign visitors," says Stanislav Gursky, Director, Utel branch of Ukrtelecom. "Our cooperation with Nokia enables us to enhance our business, and their innovative solutions will help us provide a wide range of new end-user services with top performance."

"We are delighted to support Ukrtelecom in entering the mobile business, which will enable them to expand their service offering and bring them new revenue opportunities," says Mikko Elomaa, Country Manager, Networks, Nokia. "In addition to helping Ukrtelecom develop their business, this deal is significant also for Nokia, as it will strengthen our position as a key player in Ukraine and in the East European market."

In WCDMA 3G, Nokia has 63 customers to date. High performance Nokia HSPA is a simple software upgrade to Nokia WCDMA networks, thus enabling a fast, cost-effective rollout. Nokia HSPA is made up of two key technologies, HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) and HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), enabling true mobile broadband with breakthrough data speeds of up to 14.4 Mbps in the downlink and up to 5.8 Mbps in the uplink.

Nokia HSDPA offers almost 10-times faster data services than current 3G networks, generating an enhanced service experience. Nokia is a leader in the HSDPA market, with a large number of HSDPA contracts. Many network operators have already opened their HSDPA networks with the Nokia solution.

About Ukrtelecom

Ukrtelecom Joint Stock Company is advanced enterprise with developed and unique infrastructure which holds leading position in telecommunication field of Ukraine and incorporates 32 branches. Ukrtelecom possesses transport network of Ukraine, trunk and zone communication lines that provide a basis for telecommunication structure of Ukraine. Now Ukrtelecom covers about 9.3 million subscribers by telephony services and deals with creation of the most high-capacity national trunk data transmission network based on high DWDM-technology thereby producing necessary prerequisites for building multi-services network in Ukraine as a basis for next generation network (NGN).

About Nokia

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.

http://www.nokia.com/