HONG KONG, June 13, 2000 - Sonera Corporation, a mobile communications operator, offers positioning services which
can be deployed by all GSM mobile phones via both voice, WAP data call and text message connections.
Sonera's package consists of the positioning to be integrated into the network itself; positioning data service
platform; positioning data applications; technical support; and consultation.
In addition, other positioning technologies, such as GPS (Global Positioning System), TOA (Time of Arrival), or
E-OTD (Enhanced Observed Time Difference) techniques, can be integrated into Sonera's positioning service.
The difference between the wireless positioning services available in the markets and Sonera's service is that
deployment of this new service does not require any special mobile phones, changing of the SIM card, or heavy network
investments. Since Sonera's positioning data services function in all GSM mobile phones, neither the operator
nor the service provider has to invest in accessories.
For the end-users, the service is very user-friendly: there is no need to learn to use new, complex devices. Sonera's
applications operate both indoors and outdoors at the speed of only a few seconds. In addition, this technology
introduces a new concept of service, i.e. the users approval is sought when applying the technology.
Sonera's positioning services identify the location of the user's mobile phone whether it is indoors or outdoors.
This information can be utilized in a myriad of wireless value-added applications related to, among others, security,
localizing various services or friends, as well as visualizing information in the form of, for example, maps.
The first applications will be adopted in Sonera's network during the fall.
Sonera's mobile portal Zed constitutes the most important distribution channel of the service. Sonera offers the
positioning data package to other operators and service providers, as well, on a global basis. The operator is
immediately provided with the applications to be further offered to their own customers.
About Sonera
Sonera (HEX: SRA, NASDAQ: SNRA) is an international forerunner in mobile communications and mobile-based services
and applications.
The company also provides advanced data communications solutions to businesses, and fixed network voice services
in Finland and its nearby areas. In 1999, Sonera's revenues amounted to EUR 1.85 billion and profit before extraordinary
items and taxes was EUR 0.5 billion.
More information can be found on the Internet at
http://www.sonera.com/positioning