Europe Austria : Hutchison 3G Austria has selected Nokia to supply its mobile softswitch solution for optimizing Hutchison 3G Austria's mobile network. The 3GPP Release 4 architecture of the Nokia MSC Server System will allow Hutchison 3G Austria to gain significant cost savings in the operation of its WCDMA 3G network and will enable the operator to continue to offer the most advanced mobile multimedia services to its customers. Deliveries have started, with the target of having the system operational by the end of the year.

Nokia also provides a wide range of services, including project management, installation, integration, commissioning and care services. The system continues to be supported by the multitechnology Nokia NetAct(TM) solution.

"We are confident that Nokia's cost-efficient MSC Server System keeps us ahead in the competition," said Jan Trionow, Chief Technology Officer, Hutchison 3G Austria. "The Nokia MSC Server allows us to continue offering advanced 3G voice and mobile multimedia services to our customers, while offering a smooth migration path to All-IP in the future."

"We are pleased to introduce the Nokia MSC Server solution into Hutchison 3G Austria's network," said Jorg Erlemeier, General Manager, Networks, Nokia. "The Nokia MSC Server System is a market-leading solution, offering Hutchison 3G Austria cost and operational efficiency."

Nokia continues as the sole supplier for Hutchison 3G Austria's core network.

Nokia leads the 3GPP Release 4 mobile softswitch market with over 70 customers for the Nokia MSC Server, over 20 of which are already in live commercial use.

About Hutchison 3G Austria

Hutchison 3G Austria is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hutchison Whampoa Limited ("HWL"). Based in Hong Kong, HWL has been granted an UMTS license in November 2000 to operate third generation mobile services in Austria. In May 2003, Hutchison 3G Austria launched the first purely mobile multimedia in the Austrian market under the brand "3" and has already acquired the status of UMTS market leader with a total of 266,000 customers (as of 25th August 2005). 3 is a convergence of telecommunication, internet and classic media, providing innovative multimedia products and services for mobile usage (e.g. video call, video clips, etc.) and conventional mobile communication services (e.g. voice calls, SMS, MMS).