Europe : Nokia and major Polish operator Polkomtel have signed a frame agreement for the expansion and modernization of Polkomtel's nationwide GSM/EDGE and WCDMA 3G network.

In addition, the agreement includes the Nokia Push to Talk over Cellular solution which offers an easy and instant form of mobile communication to private and business subscribers.

Deliveries begin immediately and the expansion will be rolled-out during 2005. Nokia will provide core and radio access networks for both GSM/EDGE and WCDMA 3G, as well as push to talk (PoC) technology. Nokia will also provide implementation, radio network optimization, 3G technical consultancy, as well as care services and training to maintain the competitiveness of the solution.

"Nokia has proven itself time and again in supplying, implementing and supporting us to the highest standard, both in GSM/EDGE and our WDCMA 3G network in Warsaw. Polkomtel is committed to offering our customers the most seamless, advanced and innovative mobile services no matter where they are," says Thomas Eberle, CTO, Polkomtel.

"With this agreement we are pleased to continue our long and successful cooperation with Polkomtel as a leading technology provider in helping it to bring the most advanced mobile services to its' customers across Poland," says Paolo Pellegrineschi, General Manager, Networks, Nokia.

Polkomtel S.A. is the operator of Plus GSM digital mobile network, whose major shareholders are: Polski Koncern Naftowy ORLEN S.A., KGHM Polska Miedz S.A., Vodafone Americas Asia Inc. (US) and TDC A/S (Denmark) and Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne.

Polkomtel established itself as a technology leader being the first to commercially launch GPRS and MMS in Poland. It has been the frontrunner in introducing revolutionary tariff plans and products catering to customer needs and is committed to providing a superior mobile experience to its customers. Polkomtel has sustained strong and growing profitability over last few years.

Polkomtel has been a Nokia customer since 1996.