Europe : Nokia and Telecom Italia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the area of technological innovations. The two companies will exchange their visions and strategies for innovations in communications technologies, as well as jointly test, validate and trial new technologies. Joint development projects may also be undertaken under the scope of the MoU.

"We are extremely pleased that Telecom Italia, one of the premiere operators around the world, values Nokia as a strategic partner in the future success of its telecommunications business," said Roberto Loiola, Vice President, Networks, Nokia.

Nokia and Telecom Italia have also signed a commercial framework agreement for the supply of network solutions to Telecom Italia's affiliates in both Europe and Latin America. The agreement sets terms and conditions for Nokia to provide individual affiliates complete industry-leading Nokia network solutions, including core and radio access networks for GSM/EDGE and WCDMA 3G, as well as broadband networks.

"This deal is proof of our long-term relationship and the trust that Telecom Italia places in our technical solutions, our wide implementation experience, and our robust support," said Kari Sundbäck, Director, Sales and Marketing, Networks, Nokia.

Nokia's infrastructure is based on open standards, platforms and interfaces -- crucial for a smooth evolution to commercial 3G services in a multi-vendor network. It includes integrated end-to-end solutions covering charging, security, network management and service control applications.