TELESTET launches Greece's first 3G service with Nokia's WCDMA network

January 28, 2004

TELESTET has brought commercial 3G service to Greece with the launch of the country's first WCDMA network, enabling top-of-the-line mobile services such as advanced multimedia messaging, high-quality streaming, browsing and video calls at speeds of up to 384 kpbs. As the supplier of TELESTET's network, Nokia has played a key role in the realization of this landmark network launch, which is initially taking place in the greater Athens, Thessaloniki, Patra and Irakleion areas with other major cities to follow soon. Previously, TELESTET and Nokia also jointly demonstrated Greece's first public WCDMA 3G demo in June.

"Today is an important milestone in the evolution of mobile services in Greece and it is fitting that TELESTET - as Greece's pioneer of innovative telecommunications solutions, is first to commercially launch 3G services," said Mr. Nikolaos Varsakis, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of TELESTET on January 22nd, the 3G launch date.

The launched WCDMA 3G network uses equipment provided by Nokia under an agreement announced last April. Included in the agreement was a complete radio-access and core network and Operations Support System (OSS), plus the implementation, optimization and care services that were instrumental in achieving fast and smooth network roll-out.

In addition, Nokia is providing its operations start-up package to support TELESTET in starting and developing its operations competencies and procedures for the network. The package, which uses the Nokia NetActTM network and service management system, includes remote monitoring as well as locally delivered operations support and capability transfer.

The new WCDMA services can be accessed utilizing the advanced mobile devices such as the Nokia 6650 and Nokia 7600, now available in the retail outlets of TELESTET in Greece.

TELESTET acquired a license for deploying 3G network and services in July 2001.