Under an extension of an existing framework agreement with VimpelCom, Nokia will supply GSM/GPRS equipment for the implementation and development of the Bee Line GSM network in the North-West and Central Regions of Russia.

 

Under the agreement Nokia will supply switching and radio equipment to the operator, and also provide the services required for commissioning and operating the network.

 

As agreed, Nokia has begun the delivery of the equipment for the implementation of the GSM/GPRS network in Murmansk and Arkhangelsk.

 

Strategic cooperation between Nokia and VimpelCom is briskly developing, and the total of the equipment delivery to the Russian operator will be at least USD 60 million in 2004.

 

"The most important factors for us in selecting a supplier are the reliability of the equipment and the possibility of a speedy deployment of the network due to the dynamic growth of the Bee Line subscriber base," says Sergey Avdeev, Vice President for Network Development, VimpelCom. "Nokia has time and again proved its ability to meet the parameters set by us, and we are pleased to have them assisting us in the fastest implementation of the Bee Line GSM network in a number of North-West Regions".

 

"We continue to closely cooperate with our strategic partner VimpelCom," says Jonathan Sparrow, General Director, Networks, CIS Countries, Nokia. "The Russian market is strategically important for Nokia, and we see the basic potential for the growth of the subscriber base and network development precisely in Russian regions where VimpelCom is using our equipment for a strategy of fast paced development of its network. VimpelCom is a major player in the Russian market, and we hope for the continuation of mutually advantageous cooperation between our two companies."

 

About Nokia

Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia is dedicated to enhancing people's lives and productivity by providing easy-to-use and secure products like mobile phones, and solutions for imaging, games, media, mobile network operators and businesses. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on five major exchanges.

Nokia Networks is one of the key divisions of Nokia Corporation and a leading provider of the infrastructure for mobile and IP networks, as well as of their associated services. Nokia Networks is one of the world leaders in the production of equipment for cellular network operators.

 

About VimpelCom

VimpelCom is the leading cellular operator in Russia and markets its services under the brand name "Bee Line", which is one of the most recognized brand names in Russia. The VimpelCom Group's license portfolio covers approximately 92% of Russia's population (134 million people), including Moscow, the Moscow Region and Saint Petersburg. VimpelCom was the first Russian company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). VimpelCom's ADSs are listed on the NYSE under the symbol "VIP".

 

Media Enquiries:

 

Mikhail Umarov, Artem Minaev

Vimpelcom Public Relations

Tel/Fax: (095) 7250700

E-mail: pr@beeline.ru

www.beelinegsm.ru

 

Victoria Eremina

Nokia CIS

Tel: (095) 795 05 00

Fax: (095) 795 05 09

Email: victoria.eremina@nokia.com

www.nokia.ru

 

Nokia Networks

Communications

Tel: 358 7180 38198

Email: networks.communications@nokia.com

 

Nokia

Communications

Tel: +358 7180 34900

Email: press.office@nokia.com

 

www.nokia.com