(January 12, 1999) - Nokia is to supply several network operators with end to end solutions compatible with the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP.) These leading operators will start building and piloting the new value added based on the WAP.
WAP specifies the access to real-time information, including Internet content and other advanced telephony services on digital mobile phones and other wireless terminals. The WAP specification enables solutions from various equipment suppliers work consistently for end-users on all digital networks. Nokia is currently undertaking interoperability testing for WAP compatible products.

Nokia currently manufactures a WAP-compatible server, the Nokia Artus Messaging Platform, which allows access to information available on the World Wide Web through WAP-compatible GSM phones, as well as current GSM phones with Short Messaging capability. The first WAP-compatible mobile phones are expected to be launched by several manufacturers during 1999.

A number of leading operators, are to begin trials for WAP-based services, using complete Nokia solutions. "WAP is an important milestone that will make Internet based services more interactive and user friendly for the mobile customer," says Jonas Wilhelmsson, Senior Business Development Manager, Telia Mobile. "We are determined to be among the first operators to provide intelligent WAP services to our subscribers. We already offer advanced value added services based on SMS, including Unified Messaging and Smart Messaging. With WAP we are taking the next important step."

"The starting of these trials is a significant development for WAP," says Pekka Salonoja, Vice President, Wireless Data Server Systems, Nokia. "For operators, WAP allows a cost-efficient way of providing value-added services. The standard and our products offer the platform for innovative operators, such as Telia, to build the excact types of services that their clients wish to use."

Nokia is a founder member of the WAP Forum, which will provide an open environment for creating Internet services and applications for digital mobile phones and wireless terminals. Nokia offers a complete wireless data solution for telecommunications, offering operators the possibility to provide their customers with a range of value-added services.

The WAP Forum has published a global wireless protocol specification for all wireless networks that will be contributed to appropriate standards bodies. WAP enables manufacturers, network operators, content providers and application developers to offer compatible products and secure services on all digital devices and networks resulting in greater economies of scale and universal access to information. WAP Forum membership is open to all industry participants. WAP version 1.0 specification and membership details are available at http://www.wapforum.org