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IRVING, Texas - AT&T Wireless (NYSE: AWE) and Nokia (NYSE: NOK) today announced the immediate availability of the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telephone System) Nokia 6651 imaging phone (GSM/GPRS/UMTS 1900MHz). Designed to operate on AT&T Wireless' first-to-market high-speed UMTS network, the Nokia 6651 imaging phone features full-motion video capture, Bluetooth connectivity, and the unique ability to simultaneously send images while on a voice call. The Nokia 6651 phone can reach average data speeds of 220-320kbps, with peak burst speeds up to 384kbps.

The ability of the Nokia 6651 phone to send images while on a voice call is only one example of the simultaneous voice and data streams that AT&T Wireless' new UMTS network enables. Additionally, the advanced XHTML browser can be used to access the wide range of content available through AT&T Wireless' mMode(TM) service while simultaneously engaged in a voice call. In this scenario, an AT&T Wireless UMTS subscriber could use their mobile browser to watch a movie trailer, look up a movie time, check the weather, and decide on dinner plans, all while on the phone with a friend.

"Starting with the original 'Digital One Rate Plan' that changed the nature of wireless service in the United States to today's introduction of true third-generation services, Nokia and AT&T Wireless have a long history of working together to introduce valuable, innovative products to American consumers," said Tim Eckersley, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Nokia. "We are confident that in much the same way that mobile voice changed how people thought of voice communications, third-generation services, such as those being unveiled by AT&T Wireless today, will change the way people think of data communications."

Other features of the Nokia 6651 imaging phone include an integrated VGA (640 x 480 pixels) camera, advanced voice features including voice dialing for up to 50 names, a voice recorder and handsfree speaker, and a video recorder capable of capturing up to 10 frames per second. Multiple connectivity options such as infrared and Bluetooth technology allow the Nokia 6651 phone to be easily connected to a PC for personal information synchronization or for connecting to Internet and intranet information at true broadband speeds.

AT&T Wireless Launches Commercial 3G Services Powered by Nortel Networks

[2004/07/20]

DALLAS - AT&T Wireless Services [NYSE: AWE] and Nortel Networks* [NYSE/TSX: NT] have launched North America's first commercial UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) wireless networks, including the first to operate at the 1900 MHz radio frequency - a requirement for North America.

These networks - located in Detroit, Phoenix, San Francisco and Seattle - allow AT&T Wireless to increase capacity for voice and data traffic, reduce costs and increase data speeds for delivery of sophisticated new mobile services. Using Nortel Networks core and radio access UMTS wireless solutions, they will also provide AT&T Wireless subscribers and enterprise customers in these four markets with high speed VPN (Virtual Private Network) access, multimedia audio and video applications, and advanced location-based and m-Commerce features.

"This launch is a major milestone in the North American telecommunications sector," said Eric Updyke, vice president - 3G Program Management, AT&T Wireless. "Nortel Networks has been a significant contributor in our plans to launch the most advanced network in the United States using the most widely used 3G (third generation) standards and bringing a new generation of mobile multimedia services to customers."

"Nortel Networks has successfully deployed UMTS across Western Europe, and a key factor for world-class customers like AT&T Wireless choosing solutions from Nortel Networks has been our reputation for speed and quality of deployment coupled with leading network performance," said Pascal Debon, president, Wireless Networks, Nortel Networks. " The AT&T Wireless launch is an important step in advancing 3G mobile services here in the United States and we're pleased to be taking a leadership role in making this a reality."

The networks will provide AT&T Wireless customers with average data speeds from 220 to 320 kilobits per second (kbps) - six to eight times faster than dial-up - and up to 384 kbps under optimal conditions.

The new networks will use AT&T Wireless existing converged core - supplied by Nortel Networks - to add UMTS to existing GSM, GPRS and EDGE capabilities.

UMTS is a low-cost alternative for service providers seeking to address growing demand in capacity for voice and data services. Combined with GSM, GPRS and EDGE, UMTS gives AT&T Wireless more flexibility in managing its network to ensure capacity in high-traffic areas.

Nortel Networks has been a supplier of GSM/GPRS/EDGE and 3G networking gear for AT&T Wireless' network since 2000. Nortel Networks is AT&T Wireless' supplier of GSM, GPRS and EDGE core networking equipment.

Nortel Networks is deploying UMTS with many of the world's leading operators, including Vodafone, T-Mobile, Orange, mm02, Hutchison Group and now AT&T Wireless.

Nortel Networks has designed, installed and launched more than 300 wireless networks in over 50 countries. Nortel Networks was the industry's first supplier with wireless networks operating in all advanced radio technologies (GSM/GPRS/EDGE, CDMA2000 1X and 1xEV-DO, UMTS and WLAN), and is the only end-to-end provider of all next generation wireless solutions.

The new Siemens A65 mobile phone is the answer to simple, easy fully-functional mobile communication

[2004/07/15]

Munich, Jul 15, 2004 - The Mobile Communication Group at Siemens AG (Siemens mobile) introduces the easy to operate A65, with large simple-to-use 4-way navigation key, a 4K color screen and optional clip-on camera with flash, enabling the most simple, yet fully-functional communication for consumers everywhere.

Designed for consumers who crave uncomplicated yet fully-functional communication, the Siemens A65 offers helpful and straightforward software tutorials ensuring the most effortless and comfortable communication. The enlarged keys on the structured keypad and up-to-date ergonomic design guarantee users will comfortably navigate and operate the handset with little to no difficulty. As the only handset in the A-class portfolio offering an easy to use clip-on camera with integrated flash, the A65 handset offers all users the chance to capture shared moments with friends and family, taking advantage of the full-photo and MMS message capabilities.

Available in two colors, Sparkling Silver and Mystery Silver, the lightweight (76.3g) A65 with 4K color screen is the perfect companion for those individuals who want to communicate in style whilst not sacrificing functionality.

Having fun with the new A65 could not be easier. Many exciting games are available, including Magic Pictures and Stack Attack Junior, or more games are downloadable using Java technology. In addition, the A65 may be personalized by downloading polyphonic ring tones to add to a variety of profiles with fun, ease and flexibility.

The handset is available with a range of additional Siemens Original Accessories. The accessories include stylish carrying cases, a choice of different chargers, such as Desk Top Charger, Travel or Car Charger Plus with headset connector, and for hands-free talking on the move, a range of different accessories are available. These include the elaborately designed Headset Purestyle as well as the flexible Car Kit Portable as in-car solution.

The phone will be available throughout Europe, Asia, Latin and North America from September 2004. The price will be available locally.

Nokia introduces smallest, high-power WCDMA base station to U.S. market

[2004/07/19]

Nokia announced today the newest addition to its portfolio of WCDMA base stations for the U.S. market, the Nokia MetroSite 50 BTS. It is the world's smallest three-sector WCDMA base station whose size and high-power radio frequency performance will offer flexible deployment options in large and small coverage areas.

Because of its size, the Nokia MetroSite 50 BTS is a 'siteless' solution that can be installed anywhere, in any environment - outdoors, indoors, on various surfaces, and in different positions. This flexibility will yield up to 30 percent in site and deployment cost savings and will enable operators to build a larger footprint for revenue-generating WCDMA services, like videoconferencing, audio and video streaming, and high-speed corporate services. In addition, designed to follow a 'pay-as-you-evolve' structure, the Nokia MetroSite 50 BTS, once installed, will have low operational expenses and low power consumption.

"The Nokia MetroSite 50 BTS enhances our overall WCDMA portfolio delivering the performance and capabilities of macro base stations in micro size," said Mark Louison, senior vice president, North America, Networks, Nokia. "We now have a base station for every type of site, which affords operators, particularly in the United States, maximum flexibility when they deploy WCDMA as an overlay architechture.

"U.S. carriers are moving forward with their plans to build and deploy WCDMA networks across the nation, and we are ready to provide them with the equipment and services, as well as intelligent functionalities for GSM/EDGE and WCDMA interworking, they need to do so quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively," said Louison.

In addition to the Nokia MetroSite 50 BTS, Nokia's WCDMA BTS portfolio is comprised of the Nokia UltraSite WCDMA BTS Supreme Indoor, Nokia UltraSite WCDMA BTS Optima Compact Outdoor, and the Triple-mode Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTS, which houses GSM, EDGE, and WCDMA technologies in the same cabinet. All of these platforms are HSDPA-ready (high-speed downlink packet access) and simultaneously support both WCDMA and HSDPA traffic, enabling wireless operators the ability to provide simultaneous voice and data sessions, delivering data at broadband speeds. The Nokia WCDMA portfolio for the U.S. market is designed to support both 1900 MHz and 850 MHz bands.

Nokia, a leader in the global WCDMA network infrastructure market, introduced the Nokia MetroSite 50 BTS in mid-June at Nokia's annual Nokia Connection event in Helsinki, Finland.

Ericsson awarded GSM expansion contract in China

[2004/07/14]

Hubei Mobile Communications Co., Ltd (Hubei Mobile) has selected Ericsson to provide equipment and telecom services for its GSM network expansion in the central Chinese province of Hubei. The expansion contract is worth USD 27 million.

Under the contract, Ericsson will supply Hubei Mobile with infrastructure equipment MSC AXE810 and telecom services, including turnkey deployment and integration, network performance improvement and technical support.

According to the contract, Ericsson will help Hubei Mobile to upgrade part of its GSM network. The expansion will significantly increase the capacity of Hubei Mobile's GSM network, as well as enable Hubei Mobile to provide more high-speed data applications and services. It also paves the way for smooth migration to 3G in the future. The expansion will begin in August 2004 and will be completed by February 2005.

"Since our first cooperation with Ericsson in 1998, Ericsson has been one of our most important strategic partners," says Li Rong, General Manager of Hubei Mobile. "The long-term cooperation is based on Ericsson's leading technologies and products and strong local service support. After this expansion, our upgraded GSM networks will support many new high-speed data applications, and further meet the market's increasing demand for mobile data services."

"Ericsson is very honored to be chosen again by Hubei Mobile for this new GSM expansion," says Mats H. Olsson, President of Ericsson China. "The contract has further strengthened our partnership with Hubei Mobile. With our endeavors in the expansion, we believe that Ericsson will continue to play an effective and supportive role in Hubei Mobile's roll out of more high-speed data applications and services to the fast growing market."

Ericsson's presence in Hubei Province dates back to 1995, when Ericsson signed a Local SDH contract with the Wuhan Telecommunications Bureau. Since then, Ericsson has grown into one of major telecommunications equipment suppliers in the province.

Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communications through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world.

Nokia and STMicroelectronics Introduce New Camera-Module Standard For Mobile Devices

[2004/07/01]

Helsinki and Geneva -- Nokia (NYSE: NOK) and STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) today announced that they are releasing a comprehensive specification for camera modules, aimed at standardizing this increasingly important component in mobile devices.

The specification, dubbed Standard Mobile Imaging Architecture, or SMIA, will cover all aspects of the modules, including their electrical, mechanical, and functional interfaces, and also address other key areas such as characterization, optical performance, and reliability. The SMIA specification is offered for free to the mobile imaging industry and is available at www.smia-forum.org.

The mobile-phone camera-module industry has developed rapidly in terms of technology, with dramatic increases in image quality and higher resolution. SMIA is a standardization effort to fulfill the emerging new requirements and enable mobile handset vendors to work with multiple suppliers. SMIA's target is to address the task of specifying functional and optical behavior of camera modules and therefore truly enable cost-efficient multiple sourcing of the module at the phone level.

"The camera phone market will increase rapidly with cameras entering into key product segments of mobile devices. Nokia recently estimated that the camera phone market would exceed 200 million units this year. SMIA's target is to streamline and accelerate the camera module development, ultimately contributing to creation of the state-of art imaging mobile devices, independent of vendors," said Janne Haavisto, Director, Camera Entity, Nokia Technology Platforms.

"ST and Nokia have worked on this specification for more than two years and both companies are contributing significant intellectual property into SMIA," said Marc Vasseur, General Manager of ST's Imaging Division. "ST has been immensely successful in this market due to best-in-class pixel performance, sensor and module development capabilities, and full ownership of the manufacturing flow. Now, the standardization of interfaces and system partitioning, via SMIA, will enable us to address significantly more opportunities in the mobile phone industry."

The demand for higher image resolution to mega pixel and beyond has prompted the need for increasing bandwidth on the interface, while keeping the pin count low and EMI consistent with mobile phone design constraints. In addition, significant cost reductions are made possible by optimizing the architecture of the camera phone as a whole, as opposed to viewing the camera as a peripheral subsystem. SMIA proposes a framework for defining the related metrics.

SMIA specifies imaging sub-element partitioning that will enable independent technology evolution and optimal design development. Based on a partitioned architecture approach, the optics and sensor will be implemented on the SMIA camera module and imaging processing will be executed, for example, by the mobile phone's main application processor engine.

From electrical interface to optical performance

SMIA has six chapters that cover all key aspects of a camera module:

The electrical interface specifies the physical layer (voltage levels, pin-count, timing), data rate (up to 650Mb/sec), EMI (electro-magnetic interference) performance, and output image format.
The functional specification specifies frame and field formats, register maps for set-up and control and has three profiles that helps easy video usability with high resolution sensors
The mechanical interface proposes a family of set of modules that provide mechanical outlines specifically designed for volume manufacturing.
The characterization chapter provides for optical-performance metrics and sensor noise standards.
The reliability chapter includes environmental-test and drop-test standards
Finally, a software model is also provided in the SMIA specification, including reference device drivers and software architecture.

Royalty-free license

While Nokia and ST hold key patents and other intellectual property in the SMIA specification, both companies have decided to open these up to any third party and will not assert those rights against anyone implementing a fully compliant SMIA module. No fee, nor royalty, will be levied. A simple license form can be found on www.smia-forum.org.

Availability and other information

The full set of specification documents will be released on July 1st on the SMIA web site www.smia-forum.org, along with additional information.