Nokia to Supply Wireless Alliance LLC with GSM1900 Network in Minnesota

The initial phase of the contract calls for the delivery of Nokia’s GSM1900 Base Station Controllers and High-Capacity Indoor Base Stations as well as PrimeSiteTM Base Stations, with an option to purchase a Nokia Network Switching Subsystem as Wireless Alliance’s network needs warrant. Nokia will install the network equipment, beginning in August 1997. Included in the contract are various services associated with installation and maintenance of the system.

“As a world leader in digital technology, Nokia is delighted to be providing our feature-rich, easily expandable Base Stations Subsystem to Wireless Alliance,” said Jyrki Salo, president of Nokia’s infrastructure business group in the Americas. “Nokia’s GSM1900 system will enable Wireless Alliance to offer its customers world-class features and functionality.”

“We are pleased to affiliate ourselves with an established company like Nokia,” said Richard Ekstrand, president and chief executive officer of Rural Cellular Corporation. “This expansion of our footprint in the Midwest will provide consumers with the most advanced features, coupled with Cellular 2000TM’s expansive coverage across northern and central Minnesota.”

Wireless Alliance, a joint venture between Rural Cellular Corporation (NASDAQ: RCCC) and APT Minneapolis, Inc., an affiliate of Aerial Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: AERL), is expanding its service offerings to include PCS throughout its current Northland Cellular 2000TM footprint, which includes portions of the Minneapolis MTA, including Fargo and Grand Forks, N.D.; Duluth, Minn; and Superior, Wis. The company will utilize the compact, easily expandable Nokia High-Capacity Indoor Base Stations and Nokia PrimeSitesÔ for varying rural and urban coverage areas that require high output.