Smart Communications Inc. has signed an agreement with Nokia for the supply of its Third Generation (3G) networks technology equipment and services, the carrier announced yesterday.

The agreement covers the supply of 3G radio access and core network equipment, including the Nokia High

"Smart is committed to offer the best 3G services in the market. As of today, deliveries of equipment and services are underway. The investments under this contract will allow us to establish quality nationwide 3G coverage in the shortest possible time," according to Napoleon L. Nazareno, Smart President and CEO.

3G is shorthand for the next generation of mobile communications networks running on the WCDMA (wireless code division multiple access) platform. This technology allows for faster data transmission speeds, making possible high-speed data communications and mobile multimedia services such as video conferencing, audio streaming and mobile internet.

Smart has already been testing a number of 3G cellsites, Nazareno pointed. In fact, 3G content, such as streaming video clips, can already be previewed at demonstrations in selected Smart wireless centers in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu.

"We are pleased to continue our cooperation with Smart in the 3G sphere, where Nokiaas solutions will benefit Smartas customers by delivering the higher data transfer rates needed for mobile multimedia services," commented Markku Nieminen, Account Director, Nokia Networks.

"This contract will enable Smart to provide a cost-effective 3G coverage and timely network rollout," explained Ramon S. Fernandez, Smartas division head for administration and materials management. "It will also enable us to increase our system capacity so that our subscribers will get the best 3G experience once we offer commercial 3G services."

"The expectations for 3G are high," Rolando G. PeA[+ or -]a, Smartas division head for network services added. "This deal ensures that we will keep our market leadership not only in GSM mobile coverage and subscriber count but also in the release of 3G services."

Recently, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) awarded Smartas 3G frequency after the latter garnered the commissionas perfect score of 30 based on its capability to provide 3G services.

Last December, Smart demonstrated its readiness to offer a full-range of 3G services in a live demo at an international conference of the Inter-working Roaming Expert Group (iREG) of the GSM Association in Cebu.

During the demonstration, the company not only showcased a live video conference call on a SmarttoSmart network, but also completed an international roaming call between Smart and Telecom Italia Mobile, the first such completed attempt in the Philippines. Smart likewise sampled breakthrough services, such as broadcast streaming and simultaneous voice and messaging.