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Nokia to Supply Iowa Wireless Services, L.P. with GSM 1900 Network Infrastructure
June 22, 1998
Nokia, the world's second largest supplier of GSM-based digital wireless networks, today announced it has signed a multi-year contract valued at USD 30 million to supply Iowa Wireless Services (IWS), L.P. with GSM 1900 network equipment for its Personal Communications Services (PCS) digital system. Equipment deliveries will begin in July, and the network is expected to be operational by the end of 1998.
Nokia will provide IWS with a complete GSM 1900 network, including the Nokia Network Switching Subsystem and Base Station Subsystem. The agreement also includes complementary systems equipment and various services associated with installation, implementation and maintenance of the system. IWS, a joint venture between Western Wireless Corp. and Iowa Network Services, Inc., will make PCS available to 2.3 million people.
"Our partnership with Iowa Wireless Services is another important step in the adoption of digital wireless service in the United States," says Jyrki Salo, president of Nokia's infrastructure business group in the Americas. "Some of the world's fastest growing GSM operators are Nokia customers, so we are very much in tune with the market and well positioned to offer leading-edge mobile services and world-class digital network solutions."
"Nokia is delighted to be providing our feature-rich, easily expandable network solution to Iowa Wireless Services," said Matti Airas, Director, Account Management for Nokia. "IWS customers will benefit from and enjoy the GSM's proven features for both voice and messaging, such as multi-party conference calling and short message service."
"We are pleased to affiliate ourselves with an established, innovative infrastructure provider such as Nokia," said Charles Scott, CEO of Iowa Wireless Services. "Having supplied systems to more than 70 operators in 36 countries, Nokia has experience that IWS can depend on. Together we will offer Iowa's most comprehensive digital wireless service, covering both urban and rural areas."
Iowa Wireless Services, L.P. (IWS), headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, holds licenses to provide PCS services in Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, South Dakota and Wisconsin, covering 2.3 million of the population. IWS will provide a full range of features including caller ID, text messaging, smart cards and over-the-air activation.
Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is a broad-scope telecommunications company supplying mobile phones, mobile and fixed telecommunications networks, data communications solutions, multimedia terminals and computer monitors. With sales in 130 countries, net sales totaled FIM 52.6 billion ($9.8 billion) in 1997. Nokia, listed on the NYSE (NOK.A), employs more than 38,000 people worldwide.
Further Information:
Ms Arja Suominen, Vice President, Communications
Nokia Telecommunications
Tel. (Int.) + 358 9 5113 8193
Fax (Int.) + 358 9 5113 8199
Micaela Tucker-Kinney
Communications Manager, Nokia Americas
Tel. (Int.) + 1 972 894-4307
Mobile (Int.) + 1 972 740-4991
Charles Scott
Iowa Wireless Systems
Tel. (Int.) + 1 515 258-7500
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