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Western Wireless Corporation Selects Nokia for PCS Network Equipment
December 18, 1995
Western Wireless Corporation and Nokia have signed a multi-year agreement for the supply of PCS 1900 systems to Western Wireless. The initial commitment calls for deliveries valued at $50 million, with an option to increase to $100 million during the first four years.
Bob Stapleton, President of Western Wireless Corporation, said: "Nokia's proven track record in GSM systems and their leadership in base station technology made them a natural choice for us. Nokia is reowned for their excellent design, high quality products and worldwide deployment experience."
Jyrki Salo, President of Nokia Telecommunications Inc., added: "Western Wireless Corporation is one of the leading proponents of PCS 1900 technology in the U.S. and we are pleased to have been chosen by them to participate in this important development of PCS services in the U.S."
PCS 1900 has been accepted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as a North American standard for 1.9 GHz mobile telephone service. PCS 1900 offers advanced features and excellent voice quality with equipment that is available today. It is compatible with the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard, currently operational in more than 100 mobile telephone service operators in 86 countries with an estimated 12 million subscribers by end of 1995 reaching an estimated 100 million subscribers by the turn of the century according to the GSM MOU.
Western Wireless Corporation acquired 6 MTA licenses for broadband Personal Communications Services in the recent auctions conducted by the Federal Communications Commission. The MTA licenses are for Portland, Salt Lake City, Honolulu, El Paso, Des Moines and Oklahoma City.
Nokia Telecommunications will open a PCS 1900 manufacturing and R&D facility in the U.S. during the first half of 1996. Nokia has its R&D facilities in Dallas/Forth Worth-area, San Diego and Boston.
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