Nokia expand 3G network in Sweden

April 25, 2005

Nokia has signed a contract extension with 3G Infrastructure Services AB (3GIS) to expand the Swedish operator's WCDMA 3G radio network, providing improved network coverage and capacity across Sweden. The 3GIS network is the world's first shared 3G network, and it is planned to serve around 70% of the Swedish population. Nokia is the sole supplier for the network.

"Nokia's strong commitment to our business and their continued and dedicated effort to provide 3GIS with high quality service were decisive criteria in this selection," says Jan Edhall, Chief Executive Officer, 3G Infrastructure Services AB. "We are confident that with Nokia we can continue to build out and operate our network efficiently."

"We are proud to extend our relationship with 3GIS with this new phase of delivery of world class WCDMA equipment, and are confident that the Nokia team will continue to provide excellent support to 3GIS in the future," says Bob Bird, Vice President, Networks, Nokia.

In addition to network equipment, Nokia is providing a range of deployment services, such as implementation services and roll-out project management, as well as operation services, including software maintenance, Help Desk, emergency support, hardware services, and spare part management.

3G Infrastructure Services AB is a joint venture set up by telecom operators Hi3G Access and Vodafone Sweden in order to share network infrastructure during the build-out of 3G UMTS networks in Sweden. 3G Infrastructure Services AB's will build and operate a network that covers 70% of the Swedish population. Hi3G Access and Vodafone Sweden have equal stakes in the joint venture. Each partner in the joint venture has been granted 3G licenses to provide 3G services to almost 100% of the Swedish population.