Nokia Completes GPRS Core Network Installation in Hong Kong, Paving the Way for Next-Generation Mobile Services

Strategic Insights -

New World Mobility and Nokia announced the completion of the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) core network solution in Hong Kong, marking a significant milestone in the city's mobile communications industry. The installation is expected to boost data speeds to over 100kbits per second, enabling mobile phone users to access high-speed wireless internet and corporate LANs. The commercial launch of the network services is scheduled for mid-2000.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nokia GPRS core network solution includes the Serving GPRS support Node, the Gateway GPRS Support Node, the Domain Name Server, the Charging Gateway, Firewall, and Ethernet switches.
  • The hardware is commercially capable and supports all ETSI specified interfaces and standards.
  • New World Mobility and Nokia will work together to develop services for the GPRS network, including wireless e-commerce and wireless Internet access applications.
  • The GPRS solution is a stepping stone towards third-generation mobile communications technology.
  • The partnership between New World Mobility and Nokia demonstrates their commitment to driving the mobile market towards advanced data services.

Statistics:

  • 100kbits per second data speed enabled by the GPRS solution
  • 87 mobile operators supplied with GSM technology by Nokia in 39 countries
  • 13.3 billion euros (15.7 billion USD) in net sales for Nokia in 1998
  • Over 53,000 employees working at Nokia
  • 4 major stepping stones towards the mobile information society: GPRS, 3G, 4G, and 5G

Sources:

  • Business Wire, Dec. 1, 1999
  • New World Mobility press release, Dec. 1, 1999
  • Nokia press release, Dec. 1, 1999
  • Nokia Annual Report, 1998