Nokia Mobilizes Fixed Operators With Convergence Solutions at Broadband World Forum 2005

ESPOO, Finland, October 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- At Broadband World Forum 2005 in Madrid, Nokia reinforces its leadership in the convergence of fixed and mobile networks with a comprehensive portfolio of solutions for operators and service providers, including the Nokia VoIP Server for IP-based voice service.

The Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC) solution that Nokia is showcasing in Madrid offers fixed, mobile and hybrid operators a smooth evolution from today's networks to the next-generation networks of tomorrow. The end-to-end Nokia FMC solution enables wireline operators to offer new services and connectivity within the fixed network domain. It gives subscribers the means to enjoy the same service experience independent of access, such as fixed networks, DSL, cellular or WLAN and UMA.

As a further enhancement to this strong offering, the Nokia VoIP Server widens the Nokia Unified Core Network portfolio of solutions with a carrier-grade, standards-based solution for providing voice over IP services in converged networks. The Nokia VoIP Server is currently being trialled by a number of key operators and will be available for volume deployments in the first half 2006.

"Service providers in this changing business environment are looking for ways to increase revenue and efficiency, reduce customer churn and create a strong market position," says Jussi Ilmarinen, Director, Convergence Marketing & Sales, Networks, Nokia. "The ubiquitous uptake of broadband services is opening new opportunities for the use of VoIP. Fixed operators can leverage their competitive advantage by rolling out VoIP on top of broadband, while adding mobility to differentiate their offering. They can also modernize their networks with a solution that provides a smooth evolution path to multimedia services."

"At the same time, mobile operators can implement VoIP and thereby transform their existing network and voice services into a unified offering across mobile and broadband domains," he adds "Nokia's Fixed-Mobile Convergence solution, including the Nokia VoIP Server, is an ideal way for operators to make the most of these emerging opportunities."

The Nokia VoIP Server is compliant with the standardization work done by 3GPP and ETSI TISPAN. This enables convergence of legacy voice and SIP-driven VoIP, independent of access. With the Nokia VoIP Server, fixed and mobile operators can offer VoIP to their customers with supplementary services such as Caller ID and SMS text messaging.

The Nokia VoIP Server can be implemented as a stand-alone solution in fixed networks as a first step toward convergence. Alternatively, it can also be deployed as an application server within the IMS framework. The Nokia VoIP Server fully complements the Nokia IMS solution, which enables SIP-based multimedia services, such as video sharing, in addition to voice services and a unified communications experience using both wireless and wireline packet access networks.

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. http://www.nokia.com/.

Notes to Editors:

With the multiaccess solutions, unified core network, OSS, multimedia services, service and network integration, as well as world-class devices, Nokia is well positioned to make the promise of convergence a business reality in this industry.

Fixed Mobile Convergence brings consumers improved personalized services and mobility across wireline and wireless networks, as well as possibilities for enhanced coverage and quality. In addition, cost-saving and revenue-generating opportunities can be realised. Nokia is involved in a number of trials of convergence solutions with leading operators. Several other trials are ongoing, including multiaccess trials with Nokia equipment compliant with Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) standards.

IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) are the key enablers of service convergence between different access technologies. The Nokia end-to-end IMS solution enables fixed and mobile operators to deploy IP-based person-to-person multimedia services in 2G and 3G networks.

It brings a major new capability to existing networks by allowing terminals to establish IP sessions between each other, which in turn enables a wide range of multimedia communication services and interactive applications, such as video sharing, in addition to voice services. SIP technology makes IP-based person-to-person services possible.

The MSC Server Solution optimizes networks by enabling an operator to concentrate call control to centralized premises, while distributing switching functions to locations close to traffic hot spots -- reducing the cost of building and operating mobile networks.

The Nokia UMA solutions allows operators to complement GSM coverage by offering GSM services via WiFi hot-spots as well as in home and office WLAN environments. In such hot spots, users with WLAN-capable GSM phones, can enjoy normal GSM voice, data and supplementary services.