Nokia, Aina Team on MVNO

ESPOO, Finland -- Nokia (NYSE: NOK - News) and Aina Group, a regional Finnish content and service provider, have announced a frame agreement to develop Aina Group's unique media-based mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) concept.

In addition, Nokia will supply Aina with a circuit switched core network, including the Nokia Mobile Switching Center, Home Location Register, Intelligent Network, and Nokia Number Portability solutions. Nokia will also provide Nokia NetAct(TM) Traffica for real-time network monitoring, plus implementation, systems integration, start-up, care and training services.

Aina Group is involved in both the media and fixed and mobile operator businesses and its proactive concept responds to the challenges the traditional media and the ICT industry are facing. Aina's media-based virtual service operator concept generates revenues not only for operators, but for media companies as well. Aina Group offers personalized services for niche consumer segments, such as newspaper subscribers, on regional basis, and solutions for enterprise and public sector customers in Finland.

"Aina has a unique regional MVNO business concept with links to media, consumers, and enterprises. We differentiate ourselves from other operators with customized service offering," says Jaakko Nevanlinna, CEO, Aina Group. "The readers of the local newspaper will benefit from our Armas GSM subscription that offers mobile services such as news, events, directories, weather and special offers from local shops."

"It was easy to choose Nokia, which turned out to be the most flexible supplier for us. We highly appreciate Nokia's interest and commitment to this cooperation," Nevanlinna continues.

"Nokia is excited about Aina Group's new MVNO concept," says Mika Vehvilainen, Senior Vice President, Networks, Nokia. "The collaboration brings mutual benefit for both companies. For Nokia, this is an excellent opportunity to test new ideas and development projects with a mobile virtual network operator with special focus on media and customized mobile services."

Nokia Corp. (NYSE: NOK)