October 12, 1999. Nokia Networks, the infrastructure arm of Nokia, and Mitsubishi have initiated interoperability testing between their products and solutions supporting the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) 1.1. The tests between Nokia and Mitsubishi Electric's WAP products, such as the Nokia Artus Messaging Platform and the Mitsubishi Trium Geo-WAP, are an important step for both companies in further establishing WAP as a truly global standard for mobile data communication. The intent of the tests is to enhance the compatibility of WAP based products and services, hence ensuring that they will operate together independent of manufacturer.

"We are pleased to be working with Mitsubishi Electric as interoperability is a very important step to effective WAP deployment in the mass market," said Pekka Salonoja, Vice President, Messaging and Service Platforms, Nokia Networks. "As one of the key founders of the WAP Forum, Nokia is committed to ensure maximum interoperability for all suppliers of WAP equipment."

"Our first WAP product, the Geo-WAP, is both an advanced information gathering tool and a must have accessory for both consumers and business users," comments European marketing manager Kouji Kodera. "Through providing connection to the Internet through a mobile phone, we will empower end-users with a handset that furnishes an easy solution to everyday living. The inclusion of a WAP phone in the Trium range at this moment in time realises our determination to be at the cutting-edge of technological advancement."

To enhance the compatibility of WAP based products and services, Nokia is currently undertaking interoperability testing for WAP compatible products and services with several manufacturers.

Nokia is paving the way to the mobile information society with its innovative products and solutions. Nokia is the leading mobile phone supplier and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks including related services. It also supplies multimedia terminals and computer displays. In 1998, net sales totaled EUR 13.3 billion (USD 15.7 billion). Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is listed on the New York (NOK), Helsinki, Stockholm, London, Frankfurt and Paris stock exchanges and employs more than 51 000 people.

Trium is Mitsubishi Electric's European mobile communications division, created to highlight Mitsubishi Electric's commitment to building the best and most desirable mobile phones and related products. It was launched at CeBIT in 1999. The Trium range is manufactured in Brittany, France, where Mitsubishi Electric's current R&D and manufacturing operations are situated. The plant will be producing 800,000 handsets per month by November 1999.

Contact information:
Nokia Networks, Communications Department
Tel: +358 9 5113 8193, Fax: +358 9 5113 8199
http://www.nokia.com

Mitsubishi Electric:
Kevin Redfern, SLAM Public Relations
Tel. +44 171 841 5506, Fax: +44 171 841 5777
Email: [email protected]
www.trium-gsm.com