Nokia wins turnkey GSM/EDGE radio network deal with Astelit in Ukraine

Nokia and Ukrainian mobile services operator Astelit, which operates under the brand name life:), have extended their existing frame agreement for the supply of network equipment and services. Nokia will carry out a new turnkey GSM/EDGE radio network expansion project, valued at USD 75 million, to expand Astelit's network coverage in the Eastern and Western Ukraine. The expansion will help Astelit to attract new subscribers and increase its market share.

Under the agreement Nokia will deploy GSM/EDGE radio network equipment, including base stations, base station controllers and transmission. The full turnkey services for new sites include project management, network planning, site acquisition, civil works and implementation. Additionally, Nokia will provide network optimization, consultancy and maintenance services to support fast network rollout. The network will be supported by the Nokia NetAct(TM) network and service management system. The deliveries have already started.

"We are pleased to extend our business relationship with Nokia, who have proven their commitment and flexibility during the initial rollout of the Astelit network," says Ahmet Tanyu, CEO, Astelit. "With this project we will enhance our high-quality network services to our existing customers, and at the same time expand life:) coverage in the Eastern and Western Ukraine, where we plan to reach new customers with our service offering."

"We are delighted to continue to support Astelit and Turkcell's business in the Ukrainian market," says Jaakko Myllymäki, Vice President, Networks, Nokia. "This coverage extension to new areas addresses new untapped areas of this country, one of the fastest growing markets of the region."

Nokia can draw on its over 15-year track record of implementing and operating networks and its extensive practical experience of implementing mobile services for operators. Nokia has contracted operating services for over 20 operators globally, in addition to providing full turnkey implementations for a total of 27 customers in 22 countries. Nokia NetAct(TM) has been delivered to over 300 customers worldwide.

About Astelit
"Astelit" is an international company whose main shareholder is Turkcell (NYSE:TKC) - Turkey's largest GSM operator. Astelit operates in Ukraine under the brand name life:), launched in January 2005. life:) network continues to grow at an unprecedented pace. Today, it covers all cities with population over 100 000, and more than 12 000 settlements of Ukraine, as well as all major highways of the country. life:) offers its users roaming services in 181 countries globally, thanks to 467 roaming partners.

The operator was the first in Ukraine to introduce EDGE technology, which provides 5 times higher data transfer speed than GPRS. Today life:) offers the widest EDGE coverage on the market - in all the 25 oblast centers of Ukraine and the city of Sevastopol.

Life is getting interesting!
www.life.com.ua