Nokia and European mobile operator Viag Interkom this week signed on a joint venture
that will allow Internet access through cellular telephones utilizing the
general packet radio service (Gprs) network.
The service, according to
Nokia Italia, will go into effect by the end of the year.
Under the agreement, Viag Interkom will be provided a system through the
Nokia Sgsn (Serving Gprs Support Node), the Nokia Ggsn (Gateway gprs
support node), and the Nokia Cg (charging gateway), as well as the IP
technology necessary to implement the Gprs network.
The technology required to
integrate these technologies into existing network infrastructures will
also be provided by Nokia.
Viag Interkom has already implemented a pre-commercial
hardware system to facilitate the new technology. As a result of this
agreement, Viag Interkom will be able to provide mobile phone Internet
access to its customers, including data transmission through pre-paid
services, through the European Gsm network.
This service could also be
expanded though Viag Interkom’s join venture companies, Viag Ag, British
Telecom and Telenor.
