ESPOO, Finland -- Nokia has signed a nationwide supply contract with the Philippine telecommunications company Globe Telecom Inc. This network modernization deal includes an upgrade of the Globe Telecom circuit switched core network, also enabling fixed mobile convergence. Under the agreement Nokia will renew the core network of Globe Telecom including the upgrade of Nokia mobile switching centre into Nokia MSC Server mobile softswitch.

Included are also the unique, multitechnology Nokia NetAct(TM) network and service management solution, Nokia Voice over IP Server, and Nokia IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). In addition, Nokia will provide implementation, commissioning, systems integration and training services. The deliveries have already started.

"The contract with Nokia for an upgrade of our existing MSC to an integrated 2G/3G MSC Server mobile softswitch will enable Globe to offer a whole suite of innovative services to our customers in a cost-efficient manner," says Gerardo C. Ablaza Jr, Chief Executive Officer, Globe Telecom. "These include voice and data applications that can be seamlessly offered across both the 2G and 3G network as well as between the fixed and mobile networks. Services like VoIP, video conferencing, video sharing and other applications will enable Globe to build the digital communities within the Philippines and between the families of overseas Filipino workers."

"We are pleased to continue our long-term collaboration with Globe Telecom and enable them to introduce 3G services in the Philippines," says Tapani Sairanen, Account Director, Networks, Nokia. "The Nokia mobile softswitch is an excellent solution for core network optimization, bringing significant cost-savings for operators."

Nokia Corp. (NYSE: NOK)