Nokia wins over USD 55 million GSM network expansion deal from AIS in Thailand

November 23, 2005, Espoo, Finland - Nokia and Advanced Info Service Plc (AIS), one of Thailand’s leading mobile phone service operators, have signed a deal worth over USD 55 million to expand AIS’ GSM network in the Northern, Central and Southern regions of Thailand. The expansion will improve network coverage and capacity and enable AIS to boost service quality and offer innovative multimedia and convergence services.

Under the agreement, Nokia is supplying radio network expansion and Nokia Unified Core Network solutions, including IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), 3GPP Release 4 MSC Server and Nokia Presence solution. The expansion is supported by Nokia’s systems integration, implementation, optimization, project management and consulting services. The system continues to be supported by the unique multitechnology Nokia NetAct(TM) solution.

“AIS continues to dominate Thailand’s mobile services despite the challenges posed by the price competition in the market,” says Ms. Arpattra Sringkarrinkul, Executive Vice President, Solutions AIS. “Thanks to Nokia’s flexibility and end-to-end capability, we have been able to quickly respond to the subscriber growth and to differentiate our service offering with new innovative multimedia and convergence services.”

“Nokia is pleased to continue the successful cooperation with AIS in expanding its GSM network to meet the subscriber growth and heated local competition,” says Somchai Thamsirisup, Account Director, Networks, Nokia. “The collaboration now extends to cover strategic non-voice and IP-based services.”

Nokia has been working with AIS since the early 1990s, providing comprehensive services for the operator’s GSM infrastructure.

Nokia’s complete, end-to-end IMS solution enables operators to offer IP-based multimedia services such as push to talk and Presence. The solution includes the Nokia IP Multimedia Subsystem solution and application servers, which are connected to the IMS via the open IMS Service Control (ISC) interface. Nokia has over 30 Nokia IMS references, including 10 commercial deals.

The MSC Server System brings the operators improved efficiency by reducing the cost of building and operating mobile networks. Nokia leads the market in the 3GPP Release 4 mobile softswitch with over 70 customers for the Nokia MSC Server, over 20 of which are already in live commercial use.

Nokia Presence solution lets mobile subscribers know how and when they can reach their family, friends, or colleagues before making a call.

About AIS
Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS), a subsidiary of Shin Corporation PCL., is the established leader in Thailand’s wireless communications industry after more than 15 years of services with its subscribers based more than 16 millions and market share more than 50%.

To date, AIS service network covers 795 districts (amphur) throughout Thailand, plus international roaming across in six continents. Additionally, indoor coverage has been greatly expanded in both Bangkok and the provinces. AIS has continuously enhanced and expanded its network in order to respond to the market and technological advances, whilst keeping abreast of consumers’ growing demands and needs. It continues to integrate the latest in advanced technology and deliver more than just voice communication, with GPRS and EDGE technology.

AIS strongly believe that wireless communications bring changes to the way Thai people live their life, regardless of who they are and what they do. With endless communications possibilities, the quality of life is better. Visit our web site at www.ais.co.th

About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.

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