Europe : Nokia and Hungarian operator Pannon GSM have signed an agreement for the expansion of Pannon's GSM network and upgrade to EDGE in greater Budapest, as well as deployment of a Nokia WCDMA 3G circuit-switched core network for nationwide service.

Inset is Ove Fredheim, CEO of Pannon GSM quoted below.

In addition, Nokia is providing a turnkey network implementation plus an extensive range of services.

Under this extension of an existing agreement, Nokia will supply the complete range of network equipment to upgrade Pannon's network to EDGE in Budapest, providing subscribers in the Hungarian capital with 3G-type of services and improved quality for 2G services. Deliveries have already begun, and EDGE-based wireless broadband services have just been launched recently in Hungary.

In addition to the EDGE and 3G core systems, Nokia will provide a comprehensive range of services including turnkey network implementation, network performance verification and care services to help Pannon maximize its operating efficiency and add value to its business case. The services will be provided using Nokia NetAct (TM), the only fully featured, multi-vendor, multi-technology operations support system on a single platform.

"The Nokia EDGE radio network and 3G solution offers the best choice for Pannon GSM to provide high speed data services in Budapest region. Our customers will experience this as a seamless base upon which 3G services can be introduced," says Ove Fredheim, CEO, Pannon GSM. "In 2004, Pannon doubled its customer portfolio in the business segment, and we see that applications based on EDGE and 3G technology are ideal for this important customer group. We have just launched broadband services for their needs this February and many services will follow later on this year for the whole consumer segment."

"We are sincerely pleased to continue our relationship with Pannon GSM, with the delivery of EDGE to its GSM network, and in this way contribute to Pannon GSM's continued success in Hungary," says Finn Erik Hermansen, General Manager Hungary, Networks, Nokia. "EDGE is a complementary technology to WCDMA 3G, and it will enable Pannon GSM to provide its customers with high speed mobile data in the greater Budapest area, including the surrounding rural areas."

Pannon GSM made Europe's first live public EDGE call with the support of Nokia in May 2003. Nokia has been Pannon's supplier of GSM network equipment since 1993.

Nokia can draw on its over 15-year track record of implementing and operating networks and its extensive practical experience of implementing mobile services for operators. Nokia has contracted operating services for over 20 operators globally, in addition to providing full turnkey implementations for a total of 27 customers in 22 countries. Nokia NetAct(TM) has been delivered to over 300 customers worldwide.