Nokia and PLDT cooperate in Fixed-Mobile Convergence solutions in the Philippines

November 30, 2005, Espoo, Finland - Nokia and the leading telecommunications provider in the Philippines, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), have set up a Next Generation Network Laboratory to develop and test end-to-end Fixed-Mobile Convergence services prior to their commercial launch. The Next Generation Network Laboratory can leverage PLDT’s current fixed and mobile networks to create converged services for PLDT Group customers.

Nokia has provided the Next Generation Network Laboratory with end-to-end Fixed-Mobile Convergence solutions, comprised of Unified Core and converged access networks as well as Nokia multimedia and VoIP enabled terminals.

“At the PLDT Group our mobile arm Smart Communcations has been a global pioneer in many new GSM services, like m-Commerce and electronic pre-paid top-ups. We see convergence as an opportunity to provide our customers with new innovative services that will drive the future growth of our business,” says Don Rae, Chief Operations Adviser, PLDT. “Convergence is an important part of PLDT’s vision, and the Next Generation Network Laboratory provides us with a test bed where we can trial new ideas and services before commercial launches.”

“We are delighted to be working with PLDT to address emerging opportunities for combining fixed and mobile networks and services in the Philippines,” says Markku Nieminen, Account Director, Networks, Nokia. “Nokia is trialling its converged solutions with many leading operators worldwide, providing powerful solutions for consumers and corporate customers, as well as fixed and mobile networks, in what is shaping up to be a new chapter in this industry.”

As an example of the new services development, PLDT and Nokia organized a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) contest for Filipino application developers called the “SIP Challenge”. Forum Nokia provides the developers training and assistance, and they can test their IP-based applications at the Next Generation Network Laboratory.

The Nokia Unified Core includes the Nokia IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), the Nokia VoIP Server, the Nokia MSC Server System (MSS), Nokia Media Gateway (MGW), Nokia Intelligent Service Node (ISN), Nokia Intelligent Content Delivery (ICD) for multi-access control and data services charging and Nokia D500 IP DSLAM.

Nokia has been the main GSM network supplier to Smart Communications since 1998.

About PLDT
PLDT is the leading telecommunications provider in the Philippines. Through its three principal business groups - fixed line, wireless and information communications technology - PLDT offers a wide range of telecommunications services across the Philippines’ most extensive fiber optic backbone and fixed line, cellular and satellite network.

PLDT is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE:TEL) and its American depositary shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:PHI) and the Pacific Exchange. PLDT has one of the largest market capitalizations among Philippine listed companies.

Further information can be obtained by visiting the web at www.pldt.com.ph.

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. www.nokia.com

Notes to Editor:
The Nokia IMS solution provides the service machinery for enriching communications in converging fixed and mobile networks. It enables SIP-based multimedia services, such as video sharing and push to talk, in addition to voice services for fixed, cellular and multiradio terminals, as well as for PCs.

The Nokia VoIP Server, a key part of the Nokia IMS solution, supports the convergence of legacy voice and VoIP communications by allowing PLDT to offer mobile telephony services, such as Caller ID and SMS, to VoIP customers regardless of the access network used.

The Nokia MSC Server, the world leading 3GPP Release 4 based voice solution, is currently deployed in Smart Communication commercial mobile network, as part of an earlier contract.

Contact Information

Ramon R. Isberto

Spokesperson

PLDT

Contact via E-mail