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Telecommunications industry

Nokia Secures Major Deal with China Unicom for WAP Services

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Nokia, a leading telecommunications hardware vendor, has signed a significant deal with China Unicom to provide its Nokia Artus messaging platform. This contract aims to introduce WAP (wireless application protocol) services to China's largest GSM/PCS market, making it a substantial revenue generator for Nokia. The deal covers the Anhui, Chongqing Hebei, and Zhejiang branches of China Unicom, enabling five million GSM mobile phone users to access WAP services. Despite initial criticism, WAP's future now appears assured, particularly with China's massive user base embracing the technology.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nokia has signed a major deal with China Unicom for the supply of the Nokia Artus messaging platform, focusing on WAP services.
  • The contract involves the Anhui, Chongqing Hebei, and Zhejiang branches of China Unicom, which have five million GSM mobile phone users.
  • Equipment deliveries have begun, and the equipment is now in commercial use, enabling WAP services to be introduced to the carrier's network.
  • The deal supports Nokia's drive to bring WAP to the booming Chinese market, following its demonstration of Chinese language Internet browsing using a WAP-enabled mobile last November.
  • Malcolm Arnold, vice president of Nokia China, highlighted the importance of this deal in expanding WAP services in China.
  • China Unicom's GSM mobile phone users will benefit from the introduction of WAP services, offering a gateway between information and applications on the Internet and mobile phones.

Statistics:

  • Five million GSM mobile phone users in China will have access to WAP services through the Nokia Artus messaging platform.
  • The deal covers the Anhui, Chongqing Hebei, and Zhejiang branches of China Unicom.
  • Nokia's Artus messaging platform acts as a gateway between information and applications on the Internet and a mobile phone.
  • The equipment delivery has already started, with the commercial use of the equipment in place.

Sources:

  • Newsbytes.com, http://www.newsbytes.com
  • Nokia Press Operations +358-9-5113-8193 /WIRES TELECOM, ASIA/

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