Nokia Signs GSM Deals for Three States in India

Nokia will deliver a turn-key GSM network to the State of Tamil Nadu, including Nokia DX 200 mobile switching, base stations and base stations controllers, a network management system, short message service, voice mail, microwave radios and other transmission equipment. Additionally, the agreements call for the supply of Nokia DX 200 mobile switching centers to BPL US West's networks in the States of Maharahstra and Kerala. Shipments are to commence by the end of July. The three networks are scheduled to launch GSM services during the fourth quarter of this year.

Turn-key implementation services will be provided by Nokia for the entire Tamil Nadu network as well as for the Nokia DX 200 mobile switches in the Maharahstra and Kerala networks. Also as part of the agreements, Nokia will also provide comprehensive training, long-term technical and software support and 24-hour Help Desk services. Nokia's Customer Service Center in India will carry out all installation, testing, commissioning and support services.

The awarding of these contracts follows the granting of ten-year licenses to BPL US West to operate GSM networks in the States of Tamil Nadu, Maharahstra and Kerala. BPL US West Cellular Telecommunications Services Pvt. Ltd. is owned by India's BPL Limited (51%) and Denver-based US West (49%). BPL Limited started its telecom operations in 1968, and today, BPL's products and services cover the entire range of telecom services from Push Button Phones to advances Digital EPABXs to advanced projects and value added services. US West is well experienced cellular service provider having pioneered cellular network across four continents in over 10 countries.

To date, Nokia has supplied or announced agreements for Modi Telstra's Calcutta GSM network, SkyCell's Madras GSM network, Fascel's Gujarat State GSM network and Tata Communications' Andhra Pradesh State GSM network in India.