Nokia Launches 3G Development Project with InterDigital, Lands $130 Million Order

InterDigital Communications and Nokia have announced a long-term cooperation agreement involving the development of new technology for third generation (3G) wireless telecommunications products designed for high data rate applications, such as Internet access. Under the multi-year agreement, InterDigital will deliver technology building blocks to Nokia for use in 3G wireless products.

Nokia will make an initial payment of approximately $30 million to InterDigital for patented CDMA and TDMA technology. Over the course of the contract, Nokia expects to pay InterDigital approximately $70 million for the patented building block technology.

China Contract
On the heels of its agreement with InterDigital, Nokia has signed a $130 million pact with the Jiangxi Post and Telecom Administration. Under the pact, Nokia will expand Jiangxi GSM network in China. The upgraded network will support around 1.5 million subscribers in the country's eastern province.

Nokia will deliver GSM 900 equipment, including its mobile switching centers (MSCs), home location registers (HLRs), base station controllers, and base stations. Nokia will also supply customer services including installation, network planning and optimization, technical support, and upgrades to MII Phase 2 specification.

Deliveries will begin immediately. The expanded network should be operational in September 1999.