Chunghwa Telecom Goes With Nokia for 3rd Generation Trials in Taiwan.

Business and Technology Editors

HELSINKI, Finland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 27, 2001

Chunghwa Telecom Labs (CHTTL), the technology development group of the state-owned telecommunication operator in Taiwan, has selected Nokia to conduct its 3rd Generation (3G) trials. Based on the trial results, CHTTL will build up its WCDMA testbed using Nokia's 3G technology, setting the stage for the introduction of advanced mobile services and mobile Internet access in Taiwan.

Nokia will provide CHTTL with the core and radio network, network management system and technical consultancy services. The trial is expected to be conducted from the beginning of the 2nd quarter of this year in Northern Taiwan, where results will be used to evaluate the WCDMA technology in a real operating environment; including demonstration of Internet Protocol (IP) and multimedia based mobile services and applications.

"We're delighted that Chunghwa Telecom Labs has selected us to work closely with them in this important 3G trial. We remain firmly committed to helping our customers here prepare for the arrival of 3G, offering innovative services and applications which their customers will want," said Petri Reijonen, Country Manager, Nokia Networks Taiwan.

"We are pleased to work with Nokia in the evaluation of 3G, with this trial being a great step in the development of 3G technology in Taiwan," said Dr. Lung-Sing Liang, president of CHTTL. "Through this trial, CHTTL will enrich its 3G WCDMA capabilities, strengthen Chunghwa Telecom's competence in 3G mobile communications, and speed up the provisioning of new services to our customers in the ever-evolving wireless marketplace."

Nokia, a world leader in mobile communications, is implementing trial WCDMA field systems installed at facilities around the world. In addition, Nokia has built Mobile 3G Demonstration Centres for use by partner operators in Europe to undertake full evaluation and demonstration of 3rd generation applications in a completely live working environment. With this system, Nokia customers can experience applications such as location-based services, internet based commerce services and multimedia messaging at speeds of up to 384 kbit/s.

The Nokia 3G WCDMA trial system comprises network equipment, software and mobile terminals to allow thorough testing of coverage, transmission speed, handovers, power control and general functionality of the technology, as well as applications. Tests will also be carried out to ensure seamless voice and data transmission, including features such as the Smart Radio Concept for enhancing mobile capacity.

Chunghwa Telecom, currently the largest telecommunication operator in Taiwan, offers a wide range of telecom services, including domestic wireline, wireless, overseas and Internet communications. Chunghwa Telecom's objective is becoming a diversified enterprise. CHTTL, founded in 1969, is a leading telecommunication R&D unit in Taiwan and a research arm of Chunghwa Telecom. With more than 1,400 employees, CHTTL aims at providing technical support to the operations of Chunghwa Telecom, establishing leading-edge technologies and supporting governmental policy requirements.

Its R&D fields include wireless communications, broadband transport and access, Internet and multimedia applications, network operations support, customer service information, advanced technology research and information appliances. CHTTL is expanding its wireless research capability to realize the above-mentioned aims. For more information please visit www.chttl.com.tw/

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.