US : The United States Army has awarded Nokia a contract to build a WCDMA 3G/HSDPA network. The deal will allow the Army to evaluate potential applications for 3G wireless technologies for defense purposes.

Under the contract, Nokia will supply a WCDMA/HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) network of equipment and services. The network will be installed at one of the Army's Research and Development Centers.

WCDMA technology is a cost effective way to upgrade network infrastructure leading to increased network capacity that supports offering advanced mobile services. Nokia has a strong global position as a radio network provider, with 66 WCDMA 3G customers to date.

The Nokia MSC Server System see above ) is a core network that enables OPEX savings of 30 to 70 percent compared to legacy switching due to its high platform capacity and simple and efficient network architecture.

"3G greatly expands the applications for wireless voice and data, and we're excited to work with the Army to explore the possibilities for WCDMA technology in the defense arenas," said Robert Fennelly, Director of Government Systems, Networks, Nokia.