ASIA : Singapore's M1 awards Nokia deal for WCDMA and GSM/GPRS expansion and enhancement. The deal follows successful rollout of Phase 1 WCDMA 3G network and continued GSM subscriber growth and increase demand in data traffic.

Mobile operator M1 of Singapore has awarded Nokia a contract to supply equipment and services for the second phase of its WCDMA 3G network rollout. In addition, the deal includes GSM/GPRS equipment to enhance GSM coverage and GPRS capacity.

Under the contract, Nokia will supply expansion and enhancements to M1's WCDMA 3G network, including core network and radio-access equipment, and services including project management, implementation, and network optimization consultancy, as well as the Nokia NetActTM network and service management system. GSM/GPRS equipment to be suppled includes GSM radio-access network equipment and GPRS core enhancements for capacity expansion. The Phase 2 WCDMA 3G and GSM/GPRS enhancement deliveries start immediately.

"M1 is confident in Nokia's leadership in GSM/GPRS/WCDMA technologies following the successful rollout of Phase 1. This new order for infrastructure with Nokia will be instrumental for the roll out of our 3G network beyond the central business district," said Neil Montefiore, M1's Chief Executive Officer.

"As we continue to experience growth in GSM voice GPRS data traffic,
this Phase 2 expansion will help M1 to meet the growing needs of our
customers, enhancing our coverage in new suburban towns and along the new Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train lines," added Montefiore.

Marko Kytoharju, Account Director, Nokia Networks Asia Pacific said, "We are happy to have played a part in the recent M1 3G lifestyle showcase, with the successful Phase 1 rollout. Nokia, as sole network supplier, is working very closely with M1 towards the successful delivery of a commercial WCDMA 3G launch in 2nd half of 2004."

About M1

M1, Singapore's most exciting and innovative mobile and IDD service provider, was launched in April 1997. Since then, it has made significant inroads into the local mobile communications market, gaining considerable brand presence and market share. M1 aims to be
the leader in personal voice and data communications, focusing on value, quality and customer service.