Nokia to deliver 3G network infrastructure to Hutchison 3G in the UK - with a deal worth approximately 500 million euros

Nokia has signed an agreement, for an initial period of three years, to deliver a complete range of 3G mobile network infrastructure to Hutchison 3G UK Ltd. Hutchison 3G has chosen Nokia as the 3G core network supplier and as a major supplier of its radio-access network.

Built on Nokia's unique IP mobility core and radio-access solutions, the network will enable the introduction of new, exciting seamless multimedia services for Hutchison 3G's nationwide network in the UK.

As the main network supplier, Nokia will supply mobile core infrastructure, including both packet core and circuit-switched core network elements, as well as radio-access network equipment and professional services, which will cover both deployment and support services for Hutchison 3G’s new 3G network. Nokia will also provide its mPlatform mobile Internet middleware which will enable Hutchison 3G to offer a rich set of applications and services to its future customers.

As the only dedicated 3G network operator in the UK, Hutchison 3G will provide WCDMA coverage using Nokia's highly flexible Optima Compact and Supreme range of base stations. Nokia will be responsible for deploying the radio-access network covering approximately 50% of the UK population spanning the southern half of the UK as well as Northern Ireland.

"After a very thorough process, I believe we have chosen the best network suppliers for Hutchison 3G. Nokia offers the necessary expertise, which will be so vital in the rollout of our network over the next three years. Nokia brings us the IP ability and network expertise vital to building a brand new network,” said Colin Tucker, Managing Director, Hutchison 3G. "Commercial UMTS services are more than just the next step in applying mobile telephony to the Internet - they promise to usher in a revolution and change people's lives and we aim to offer better quality services which are richer, more enjoyable and more relevant to customers."

"Nokia has continued to introduce industry-first solutions that dramatically reduce costs and improve network capacity for future Mobile Internet networks," said Rene Svendsen-Tune, Senior Vice President, 3G Sales & Marketing, Nokia Networks. "Hutchison 3G aims to build its portfolio of service offerings in mobile Internet, high-speed data communications and m-commerce services, and with the combined strengths of Nokia's technology and delivery capability, we are delighted to be able to support their drive towards 3G service creation."

To support the introduction of the mobile network and multimedia services through this agreement, Nokia has agreed to provide a bridge-financing package for the development of the network, with an estimated value of close to GBP 460 million.

Nokia's 3G infrastructure is based on open standards, platforms and interfaces critical for a smooth evolution to commercial 3G services. It includes integrated end-to-end solutions, including charging, security, network management and service control applications. Nokia already offers a full range of support services and solutions to help network providers differentiate in today’s fast-changing business environment and rapidly build out 3G networks.

Hutchison 3G UK Holdings Limited ("Hutchison 3G") holds license "A", from the UMTS auction held by the UK government in April 2000. Licence "A" was the largest block of spectrum auctioned in the UK, and it was set-aside for a new entrant to the market. The licence consists of 15 MHz of paired spectrum, and 5 MHz of unpaired spectrum.

Hutchison Whampoa Limited holds a 65 per cent stake in Hutchison 3G. The other major shareholders are NTT DoCoMo (20 per cent) and KPN Mobile (15 per cent).
www.hutchison3g.com

Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet, Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.

Further information:

Nokia Networks
Arja Suominen, VP, Communications
Tel. + 358 7180 38193

Hutchison 3G
Edward Brewster, Head of Corporate Communications
Tel. +44 20 7887 7869



www.nokia.com