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Nokia and Hong Kong CSL Limited (CSL) today announced an agreement for Nokia to deliver EDGE enhancements to CSL's current GSM data network, which will increase capacity at higher speeds and improve the quality of service to CSL's data service users. At the same time, CSL has begun to offer the Nokia 6220 phone, the first EDGE-enabled videophone available in Asia Pacific.

The EDGE enhancements will improve the user experience with existing services such as browsing, messaging and downloads, as well as provide an ideal environment for the commercial expansion of advanced new data services which employ video services.

Under the agreement, Nokia, which is the sole supplier of the EDGE infrastructure, will provide upgrades and expansions to CSL's current GSM/GPRS network, together with support services. This agreement follows CSL's decision to deploy WCDMA as its forthcoming service for even higher data rates.

"Our deal with Nokia will enable CSL to add EDGE enhancements to our existing GSM/GPRS data, which will support our development of services that will benefit business and consumer customer segments and maintain our market-leading position in Hong Kong," said Hubert Ng, Chief Executive Officer, CSL. "Nokia, our long-term vendor, has a proven track record for delivering solutions which integrate seamlessly with our existing network and which enable a smooth migration path to 3G mobile services," added Ng.

"Nokia is happy to continue its close long-standing relationship with CSL," said Andy Paton, Account Director CSL Team, Nokia Networks, Asia Pacific. "Through this agreement, CSL's data network capability will be quickly enhanced to handle the rapid growth in data services, while ensuring a smooth and efficient evolution path to WCMDA as data demands grow even further in the future. This agreement further demonstrates our commitment to providing complete GSM systems to carriers like CSL, offering a direct and cost-effective migration path to the next-generation."