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Munich, Aug 30, 2004 - South Africa�s leading mobile communication provider Vodacom has signed a framework agreement making Siemens the sole supplier in building its 3G/W-CDMA network in South Africa. Under the terms of the contract, Siemens mobile, the mobile communication group at Siemens AG, is to upgrade Vodacom�s existing GSM and GPRS network nationwide with Third Generation radio equipment and switches. This is Siemens� first 3G/W-CDMA contract on the African continent.

Vodacom will be the first mobile operator in Africa to put a 3G/W-CDMA network into commercial operation. As South Africa�s leading mobile communication operator, with a customer base of more than nine million subscribers, Vodacom intends to offer initial 3G services by as soon as the first half of 2005, including video downloads or live broadcasts of e.g. soccer games to mobile phones.

�We decided to commission Siemens to install our 3G network, as being the world�s leading supplier of 3G/W-CDMA technology, it has a wealth of experience in implementing the Third Generation of mobile communication, as well as a strong local presence in Africa� said Vodacom�s Chief Operating Officer, Pieter Uys.

With this 3G/W-CDMA contract, Siemens will be able to strengthen its position as the world�s leading supplier in the 3G sector. One out of every two 3G/W-CDMA networks in commercial service throughout the world today comes from Siemens and its technology partner NEC, which means that the two companies cover 90 percent of all 3G subscribers worldwide.

�We are pleased that we will now also be able to support Vodacom in migrating to Third Generation mobile communication, thus helping to strengthen South Africa�s position as a technology pioneer in mobile communications,� said Christoph Caselitz, President of the Networks Division at Siemens mobile. In 2003 alone, the number of mobile subscribers in South Africa rose by 26 percent. And the current mobile communication market penetration of 37 percent holds the promise of further growth potential for mobile operators.

Nokia and Vodafone to Lead Roadmap for Mobile Java Standards

[2004/08/26]

ESPOO, Finland - August 26, 2004 - In a move that is intended to deliver benefits for the mobile industry and for mobile customers, Nokia and Vodafone today announce the formation of a mobile service architecture initiative. The aim of the initiative is to simplify mobile Java standards by defining the next generation, open standards-based mobile Java services architecture specifications. It will serve and represent the mobile value chain, including other leading mobile device manufacturers, mobile operators and IT companies.

The initiative will function and create its specifications within the Java Community Process(SM) (JCP(SM). Earlier this month, the J2ME(TM)Executive Committee approved the first Java Specification Requests (JSRs) from this initiative. These JSRs, 248 and 249, will not introduce any new API specifications but will include a number of new component JSRs and clarifications to existing specifications to define a consistent Java API services architecture. This will enable application compatibility across multi-vendor mobile devices.

The initiative will further seek to harmonise the licensing terms of the component JSRs to be open, fair and predictable. As specifications leads Nokia and Vodafone, in conjunction with Sun Microsystems, will define the licensing framework of the initiative, while the role of creating and licensing the Technology Compatibility Kits (TCKs) for JSR 248 and 249 will be undertaken by Sun Microsystems.

The initiative has received widespread support from leading representatives of the mobile industry, including Orange, Siemens, Sony Ericsson, Sun Microsystems and T-Mobile International. It is expected that a number of these companies will join Nokia and Vodafone to become members of the Expert Group for the specifications created by this initiative.

By using the specifications, developers can create software that is easily portable from one Java-enabled mobile device to another. This will ultimately provide mobile customers with a wide choice of feature rich Java-based applications.

The management framework of the mobile Java services architecture also includes security enhancements. It will support advanced remote platform and application management for enterprises and service providers by enabling delivery and management of software components to mobile devices over-the-air. This is expected to result in cost savings for mobile software maintenance. Furthermore, it will offer business users and consumers an easy way to have the latest applications and services available on their mobile devices. The application platforms built on these specifications will enable new business opportunities for operators, enterprises, service providers, and device manufacturers.

The objectives and responsibilities of the initiative will be aligned and coordinated with organisations such as the OSGi Alliance, the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA), the Open Mobile Terminal Platform (OMTP) and World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to specify the requirements and the capabilities of the platform. The specifications will also offer smooth backward compatibility with the highly successful MIDP environment.

John Jackson, Senior Analyst, Wireless/Mobile Technologies, The Yankee Group commented, "This initiative extends the foundation of JTWI, taking important steps to align the CLDC and CDC platform specifications and their future evolution under a simplified licensing structure. With the support of leading industry players in the mobile Java value-chain, this initiative should offer greater consistency and continuity to developers and end-users. It's a significant step toward accelerating the development and distribution of more robust mobile applications."

"This initiative will significantly strengthen Java's leading position as the environment for powerful, state-of-the-art mobility solutions for both consumers and enterprises in the era of 3G," said Pertti Korhonen, Chief Technology Officer, Nokia. "It provides enterprises and service providers with unparalleled end-to-end management capabilities. In addition, it offers application developers the best and fastest opportunity to leverage their Java-based solutions in volumes and also lets them fully exploit the great performance of Java-enabled smart phones."

Alan Harper, Group Strategy Director at Vodafone, said: "The mobile industry is aware of the need for standardisation and a lot of work has been undertaken towards achieving that aim. It will build upon the JTWI vision, and output from other industry groups, to create an open and evolving platform roadmap to enable consistent and predictable implementation on a wide range of mobile devices."

"As the inventor of Java Technologies, Sun welcomes the leadership of Vodafone and Nokia to spearhead such an important effort within the JCP", said Alan Brenner, Vice President of Sun Microsystems. "Sun will develop and deliver the underlying Technology Compatibility Kits and Reference Implementations for these new specifications. Together, we will build on the widely adopted Java Technology for the Wireless Industry (JTWI) specification and streamline the advancement of mobile Java technologies."

The participants of the initiative have committed to deploy the platform, and the first reference implementations are scheduled for next year.

Siemens offers the first complete �Push and Talk� solution based on IMS CX70: The first �Push and Talk� capable mobile phone from Siemens

[2004/08/18]

Munich, Aug 18, 2004 - With the introduction of the CX 70, Siemens mobile is the world�s first manufacturer to offer an end-to-end solution for �Push and Talk� (PaT) based on open specifications. The service features walkie-talkie functionality over mobile networks and makes group calling easier and faster than ever before. As the first Voice-over-IP application, Push and Talk is based on the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), the technology platform for many future multimedia services.

�We don�t want any proprietary solutions and also employ open standards for Push and Talk,� Lothar Pauly, Member of the Board of Siemens� mobile communication division, explains. �Only with complete interoperability will we be able to develop the promising potential of this new service to the full.� To ensure that Push and Talk works as quickly as possible across all networks and with as many devices from other phone manufacturers as well, Siemens mobile is relying on IMS switching technology, which enables IP-based connections between mobile phones and is based on the specifications of the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). IMS will be the control layer for many innovative multimedia services, such as video transmission, instant messaging and virtual reality application like multiparty gaming.

For network operators, Push and Talk over IMS, which can already be implemented into GPRS networks, represents another step towards 3G. The IP Multimedia Subsystem is part of the third generation of mobile communication. Early integration of this technology facilitates the quick implementation of new IMS-based services. The Push and Talk server can be seamlessly integrated into the IMS network structure and linked to existing infrastructure components. Thanks to Siemens mobile�s modular design, small startup solutions can be easily expanded to 100 times their original size. Lothar Pauly: �IMS makes mobile networks ready for the future.�

This is how Push and Talk works: First, the user selects the people he or she wants to talk to from a list. At the push of a button, all of these previously defined addressees receive an invitation which they can accept or decline. As soon as the calling partners have confirmed, the initial caller pushes the PaT button and starts the conversation, which everyone hears simultaneously. There is no time-consuming call setup, because the �Always On� feature of the GPRS network maintains the connection all along. Any group member can reply by pressing the PaT button. The communication can only go in one direction at a time, however: whoever presses the PaT button first, talks first. Push and Talk is therefore similar to traditional voice radio, although the new service can do much more. Since it runs over mobile networks, it can be used anywhere, even internationally. And PaT calls can be heard only by the registered members of a group call � a clear benefit in terms of security.

As a provider of a complete portfolio of products ranging from mobile phones to mobile infrastructure components, Siemens is the ideal company to introduce Push to Talk. Lothar Pauly: �We will steadily expand this new market segment and play a leading role in its development.� In addition to its color display and built-in digital camera, the Siemens CX70 already features the full Push and Talk functionality � however, the operator is responsible for the set up of the PaT feature. The tri-band phone is the first model in a broad portfolio of devices for the PaT service, all of which will provide access to IMS core networks and be equipped with an open-standard PaT client. Siemens mobile can thus guarantee its phones� interoperability with the infrastructure of other manufacturers. Pauly: �Starting next year, all mid-range Siemens mobile phones will be Push and Talk capable.�

The potential of Push and Talk is huge. As operators roll out the service through all their networks, they are adding a new option which is characterized primarily by speed. According to industry analyst Northstream AB, Push and Talk has the potential to increase the traffic over mobile networks. The mobile voice chat supplements SMS and eliminates the cumbersome setup of conference calls. This mobile service will soon be able to replace the traditional radio communications of freight forwarders, courier services, taxi companies or building contractors. For private users, Push and Talk has a chance of becoming the latest trend. It is conceivable, for example, that network operators will offer open PaT forums. �Push and Talk� is a new service for the mass market,� according to Lothar Pauly. �This service is not only interesting for contractors and field staff, but is also an attractive offer for young people, clubs and associations, i.e. for anyone who wants to maintain contact with lots of people, either privately or professionally.�

AT&T Wireless and Nokia bring high-speed EDGE services and devices to the US market

[2004/08/10]

NEW YORK, and REDMOND, Wash. - Today, AT&T Wireless and Nokia are bringing to life the true benefits of EDGE for U.S. subscribers with the availability of the Symbian OS and Series 60 Platform -based Nokia 6620 smart phone for use on AT&T Wireless' national EDGE network. Consumers downloading the latest games or mobile professionals accessing instant news and information can use AT&T Wireless' EDGE service at speeds up to three times faster than GPRS. AT&T Wireless is also introducing a variety of new full-motion video and audio streaming applications on mMode(TM) that take full advantage of the data capacity provided by its high-speed EDGE network.

One of these new mMode services is Real - rTV(TM), an audio/video subscription service optimized for EDGE network speeds, from RealNetworks�, Inc. For $4.95 per month subscribers can access content from FOX Sports, ABC News, CBS MarketWatch, Sporting News Radio, NPR, The Weather Channel, movie trailers from Hollywood.com, horoscopes, and more. Real - rTV also offers subscribers the ability to set and receive personalized 'Alerts' notifying the subscriber when particular content programming becomes available on Real - rTV.

"AT&T Wireless is making advanced, high-quality mobile services available for both work and play," said Sam Hall, vice president of mMode services for AT&T Wireless. "The Nokia 6620 smart phone is an example of a full-featured device that allows users to customize their mobile experience with applications that fit their particular needs. Customers can enjoy mMode's streaming video and audio services on the Nokia 6620 and take some of the best of the Web with them while on the go - all in a true high-speed mobile environment on our national EDGE network."

The Nokia 6620 smart phone is based on Nokia's Series 60 Platform, the world's leading smart phone platform. The large color screen, easy to use interface and extensive suite of standards-based applications make this platform ideally suited to support new mobile services and applications ranging from personal productivity to games. Customers can capture both still and video images with its built-in camera and further customize their device by choosing from hundreds of Series 60 applications.

"With the Nokia 6620 phone, we are delivering not just a great smart phone and imaging product, but a platform upon which a myriad of applications can be built - not only games and entertainment, but applications that can be used to increase the productivity of users," said Nigel Rundstrom, vice president of Multimedia sales and channel management for Nokia. "When combined with AT&T Wireless' high-speed national EDGE network and mMode service, the Nokia 6620 phone becomes an extremely powerful tool for staying connected to one's work and home lives."

For business travelers, the WorldMate application offers a simultaneous graphical representation of up to five different time zones, current weather conditions for over 250 cities and a currency converter function - each updated over-the-air via mMode with current information. For productivity on the go, Quickoffice allows users to open, edit and save word processing documents, presentations and spreadsheets on their Nokia 6620 phone. Other mMobile productivity tools such as mobile e-mail, over-the-air synchronization of PDA data, and a full Internet browser (HTML 4.0, XHTML/CSS and WML) over the EDGE network allow users to stay efficient and in touch while on the go.

For sports fanatics, Nokia Sports uses the power of AT&T Wireless' EDGE network and mMode service to bring professional baseball and basketball to the Nokia 6620 phone. Nokia Sports delivers updated scores, standings, news, streaming video highlights and live baseball game audio streaming right on the Nokia 6620 handset.

Each application is available on a trial-basis at no charge. After the trial period for each of these applications has expired, the full version can be purchased directly from the phone, and billed to the user's AT&T Wireless account. mMode users may also view and purchase applications online at the new My mMode website at www.attwireless.com/mymMode.

In addition, AT&T Wireless is offering customers with EDGE handsets an unlimited mMode data plan designed for heavy data usage - including streaming content - for $24.99 per month.* Nokia 6620 smart phones are now available at AT&T Wireless retail stores nationwide for $299.99 with a 2-year agreement (after instant activation credit and mail-in rebates) online at www.attwireless.com , or by calling 1-888-290-4613.

*Additional charges apply for using the phone as a modem by either tether, IR or Bluetooth.

NBC Olympics and AT&T Wireless Partner to Create First-Ever U.S. Wireless Olympic Games Promotion

[2004/08/09]

NEW YORK and REDMOND, Wash. - NBC Olympics and AT&T Wireless (NYSE: AWE), a U.S. Olympic Team sponsor, today announced that they will offer customers the most extensive collection of Olympic Games content ever available on mobile devices in the United States. This comprehensive wireless program will include on-air text message polling, video highlight clips, mobile access to television listings and results, alerts, trivia, an exclusive sweepstakes, and more.

A number of elements from the NBC-AT&T Olympics wireless program are available now, including highlights from NBC's coverage of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, NBC promotional clips, weekly Olympic trivia, and a sweepstakes offering the chance to win $25,000 in gold. The features and content of the program will expand this week and throughout the duration of the Games.

In addition to its program with NBC, and in response to the growing demand for its wireless data services, AT&T Wireless has introduced two Olympic-themed bundled service offerings which combine some of the company's most popular data services along with voice calling minutes.

"This summer, NBC will be covering the Athens Games 24 hours-a-day on television, and we're excited to be able to extend our coverage to the wireless telecommunications environment thanks to this innovative collaboration with AT&T Wireless," said Gary Zenkel, Executive Vice President, NBC Olympics. "Wireless telecommunications is just one of many ways that we are reaching out to our audience, and this opportunity allows us to especially target the younger viewer."

"Together with NBC, we'll extend the excitement of Athens from the TV screen to the phone screen for millions of customers," said John Bunyan, senior vice president of consumer data offers at AT&T Wireless. "Real-time interaction with the Olympic Games using a variety of messaging and mMode� services gives customers a fun and convenient way to share their enthusiasm for this grandest of global traditions."

In-Broadcast Polling for Text Messaging Enthusiasts

For the first time ever, NBC's television coverage of the 2004 Olympic Games will include a nightly primetime content feature, presented by AT&T Wireless that will invite subscribers to vote for the "Athlete of the Games" via text messaging. Final results will be revealed during NBC's primetime broadcast on August 28, the final Saturday of the Games. AT&T Wireless will also present on-screen opinion polls during Olympic programming on NBC's Bravo and Telemundo networks. AT&T Wireless subscribers will be able to send their answers via text messaging, with viewer responses announced during the next day's broadcasts.

Unmatched Olympic Wireless Content & Features

AT&T Wireless has teamed with NBC and other content providers to become the only U.S. wireless carrier to deliver the following collection of Olympic content to its customers, with compatible devices, so they can stay wirelessly connected to NBC's coverage of the Games and other aspects of the Athens Olympics. The content elements include:

NBCOlympics.com on mMode service:

News and features from NBCOlympics.com - including Olympic Trials highlights and promotional video clips to results, medal counts, NBC broadcast schedules, commentary from NBC experts, and more;
NBCOlympics.com event schedules and results searchable by sport and date;
NBCOlympics.com customized alerts that deliver results by country or event.

Text Messaging Content from NBC Olympics:

Olympic Games Text Alerts - sent out up to three times daily while the Games are underway;
"Guess the GoldSM" fantasy game - customers can play along to predict different medal winners daily via text messaging;
Olympic Games Trivia - featuring weekly questions about this year's events via text messaging.

Text and Picture Messaging Content from AT&T Wireless:

"Reach for the GoldSM" sweepstakes - customers could win up $25,000 in gold or other prizes for sending text and picture messages;
A text message-based fan mail program enabling customers to send messages of support and encouragement to members of the U.S. Olympic Team;
Live text message-based chats with U.S. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and U.S. Olympic gymnast Carly Patterson;
Olympic Spirit Photo Gallery - an online photo album for customers to send their camera phone pictures to others.

Ringtones and Graphics:

Popular Olympic ring tones - including the Olympic Games theme music and national anthems from over 30 countries;
Downloadable screensavers and graphics - including country flags and Olympic Games sport pictures.

Olympic-Themed Service Plans:

The Gold Value Package, starting at $59.99 per month, includes the GSM� America national plan (local plans available), hundreds of anytime minutes, free nights starting at 7 p.m., free weekends, two MBs of mMode usage, 200 outgoing text messages, 20 outgoing pictures messages, and unlimited incoming text and picture messages, all with a two-year agreement. This bundled package provides up to a 30 percent savings over regular unbundled rates. Customers can also add additional lines for just $9.99 per month and share minutes;
The Silver Value Package, starting at $49.99 per month, includes the GSM� America national plan (local plans available), hundreds of anytime minutes, free weekends, one MB of mMode usage, 50 outgoing text messages, and unlimited incoming text and picture messages, all with a two-year agreement. This bundled package provides up to a 10 percent savings over regular unbundled rates. Customers can also add additional lines for just $9.99 per month and share minutes.
In addition, AT&T Wireless said it will host in-person appearances with U.S. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps Olympic in select cities after the 2004 Olympic Games have concluded. For more information on AT&T Wireless and the company's Olympic-themed offers and content, visit www.attwireless.com/olympics.