| To: AmericanVoter who started this subject | 9/27/2000 2:34:55 PM | | From: Joar | | | | Sonera zed Reinforces US Strategy With Several Recent Content Partner Alliances; New Partners Include Fodors.com, Vicinity, zagat.com and 1-800-TAXICAB
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 27, 2000--Sonera zed u.s., inc., announced today at PCIA GlobalXChange, booth no. 3478, that it has entered into several key strategic alliances which will enable zed to provide compelling mobile specific applications for zed users.
Sonera zed, a subsidiary of Sonera Corporation (Nasdaq:SNRA), is a pioneer in global personalized intelligent services for wireless devices combining the best features of mobile communications and the Internet.
The four content partners added today include Fodors.com, the premier, award-winning online travel information planning site; Vicinity, the leading provider of infrastructure services for the Global 2000 on Internet and wireless platforms; zagat.com, the Web's premiere provider of consumer survey-based dining; and, 1-800-TAXICAB, the foremost provider of taxi cab referral services across North America.
"These agreements represent our continuous commitment to provide zed users with the types of services that will make their lives easier and more enjoyable," said Ilkka Aura, VP of Product and Strategy for Sonera zed u.s., inc. "By partnering with the leaders in their respective fields, we can develop unparalleled applications for the wireless environment."
Zed Alliances
Fodors.com will enable zed users to find up-to-date reviews
and information about hotels in 1,390 cities throughout the
United States. Designed for people on the move, Fodors.com
will provide quick access and save valuable time by putting
detailed hotel information and planning tools in the zed users
hand from anywhere in the world.
Vicinity BrandFinder(TM) and MapBlast!(R) wireless
applications, to be offered with zed's services, will allow
users to access the most accurate, up-to-date location
information on their favorite brands, merchants and service
providers, as well as find driving directions to and from
virtually anywhere in the United States.
zagat.com will offer zed users access to its world-renowned
ratings and restaurant reviews directly from their wireless
phones. zagat.com will help zed users find the best choice of
restaurants according to their personal needs, allowing them
to search by location, cuisine and rating.
zed will be providing direct links to the 1-800-TAXICAB
nationwide taxicab network so that zed users will be able to
quickly and easily order a cab without having to navigate
through a yellow-pages search. With the touch of a button, zed
users can be patched through to a quality, local taxicab
company to get their ride right away.
About Sonera zed
zed is a global pioneer in personalized intelligent services for wireless devices combining the best features of mobile communications and the Internet. zed was conceived, designed and built to support and promote true mobility in both consumer and corporate environments. The range of zed services turns the wireless device into a communications, information and mobile commerce tool. Currently zed services are available in WAP and SMS environments, with the ability to expand the services into future technologies, GPRS and UMTS. At the end of June 2000, zed had over 700,000 monthly users out of Sonera's 2.2 million GSM customers in Finland. Of these active zed customers, 30% had registered at zed's Finnish website in order to personalize their services. Sonera zed ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sonera Corporation (HEX: SRA, NASDAQ: SNRA, www.sonera.com), an international forerunner in mobile communications as well as mobile and Internet based services and applications. zed's US headquarters are in Boston, MA, with global headquarters in the UK. More information on zed can be found at zed.com.
About Fodors.com
Fodors.com, the premier online travel information planning site, derives its editorial content from Fodor's Travel Publications, including the best-selling Gold Guide series, comprehensive guides to top destinations worldwide. Fodor's LLC is a division of Random House, Inc., whose parent company is Bertelsmann AG, one of the world's largest media companies. Fodors.com is located in New York City and web users can access the site at fodors.com.
About Vicinity
Vicinity Corporation (Nasdaq: VCNT) is the leading provider of infrastructure services for the Global 2000 on Internet and wireless platforms.
About Zagat Survey
Zagat Survey is the world's premier provider of consumer survey-based dining, lodging and leisure information. Over 125,000 voters participate in Zagat's annual Surveys. Zagat offers content in book form, on the Internet at www.zagat.com, on Palm Pilot OS and on mobile phones at mobile.zagat.com. Besides restaurant guides available in 45 major markets, Zagat offers surveys covering airlines, car rental companies, hotels, resorts, spas, nightclubs, and a host of other entertainment and shopping resources. Zagat Survey is a privately held corporation founded by Tim and Nina Zagat in 1979, and backed by leading investors such as General Atlantic Partners; Kleiner, Perkins Caufield & Byers; and Allen & Company. For more information, visit zagat.com.
About 1-800-TAXICAB
1-800-TAXICAB, headquartered in Los Angeles, California, provides passengers across North America with immediate access to ground transportation vehicles through its easy-to-remember toll-free number, web portal, and digitally connected wireless devices. For more information, visit 1800taxicab.com.
CONTACT: Hill and Knowlton, Inc.
Raymond Yeung/Meghan Butler, 212/885-0300
ryeung@hillandknowlton.com
or
Sonera zed u.s. inc.
Eija Hautaniemi, 877/947-4933
eija.hautaniemi@sonera.com
nasdaq.com
/Joar |
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| To: AmericanVoter who started this subject | 10/10/2000 7:19:24 AM | | From: Joar | | | | Sonera to Deploy Ericsson's IP Backbone for Next Generation Internet
Business Wire - October 10, 2000 07:00
STOCKHOLM, Sweden--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 10, 2000--Today, Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERICY) and Sonera Carrier Networks in Finland, announced they have signed a contract for Ericsson to supply increased IP backbone capacity to Sonera. Sonera will deploy Ericsson's Packet Backbone Network (PBN), including their AXI 580 IP Backbone Routers.
This agreement builds on recent contracts announced in June for Ericsson to provide Sonera with their PBN platforms, including AXI 520 IP Backbone Routers and an optical trunk DWDM networking solution in central Europe via Denmark, Sweden and Finland from where Sonera's network continues on to Moscow.
"We chose Ericsson for our IP-optimized core network because of its ability to provide solutions with carrier-class quality, superior performance and advanced QoS features," said Mikko Jokinen, technology director of Sonera Carrier Networks. "These are key factors, critical to helping us meet the current and future demands of rapid IP traffic growth and in creating new services and testing new ideas."
Ericsson's large-scale AXI 580 IP backbone routers and services will allow Sonera Carrier Networks to significantly increase the bandwidth of their network and to provide IP backbone capacity and transport services to its carrier customers. By deploying Ericsson's PBN solutions, Sonera is prepared for the continued rapid growth of Internet traffic, which will be increasingly driven by the demand for mobile Internet services.
"Ericsson's Packet Backbone Network and ERION(TM) DWDM optical solutions together will form an important portion of the core of Sonera's next generation network architecture," said Mike Thurk, executive vice president of Ericsson's Data Backbone and Optical Networks division. "In addition to supporting Sonera's service operator business, our solutions will help to differentiate Sonera's new carrier network business. The partnership with Sonera demonstrates that Ericsson is committed to enabling the emerging carriers' carrier market with solutions and services integration designed for their needs."
Ericsson is the leading communications supplier, combining innovation in mobility and Internet in creating the new era of Mobile Internet. Ericsson provides total solutions covering everything from systems and applications to mobile phones and other communications tools. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for customers all over the world.
Read more at ericsson.com
CONTACT: Ericsson
Kathy Egan, Vice President, Communications
or
Gary Pinkham, Vice President, Investor Relations
212 685-4030
hoovershbn.newsalert.com
/Joar |
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| To: AmericanVoter who started this subject | 10/11/2000 4:04:11 PM | | From: Joar | | | | Sonera and Equant Form GPRS IP Roaming Partnership
Business Wire - October 11, 2000 09:59
MONTREUX, Switzerland & ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 11, 2000--
Offering The First Global GRX Service To Mobile Operators
Sonera and Equant (NYSE: ENT) (Paris Bourse: EQU) have joined forces to offer GPRS roaming possibilities to mobile operators.
The resulting solution, based on the concept of GRX (GPRS Roaming Exchange), will facilitate roaming between the networks of different GPRS operators.
GPRS, which stands for General Radio Packet Services, enables access to Internet Protocol (IP) services via mobile terminals. GRX, as specified in the IR.34 recommendations laid down by the International Roaming Expert Group (IREG) of the GSM Association, is a centralized IP routing network for interconnecting GPRS networks.
Through GRX roaming, GPRS subscribers will be able to access data services including e-mail, graphics and video while outside their home network. This will significantly increase the usage opportunities of GPRS terminals, through mobile operators' mutual roaming agreements. This, in turn, will create additional revenues for operators offering GPRS.
The intention of GRX is to offer cost-efficient, scalable and easy-to-maintain connections to all mobile operators globally. The GRX service, jointly designed by Sonera and Equant, will effectively combine Sonera's leadership in wireless technology with the reach of Equant's global IP network.
"Equant, with its global reach, advanced network and complementary resources, is an ideal partner for offering GRX service on a global scale," said Sonera senior vice president Timo Levoranta from Sonera Mobile Internet Operator Services. "As a mobile operator, we feel that our customers' traffic should be routed outside the public Internet, where lack of security and traffic bottlenecks are common concerns. It is imperative for a GRX operator to be able to connect mobile operators globally via a private, end-to-end managed IP network, and with Equant we can do just that."
"We are pleased to be working with Sonera on one of our first major wireless announcements," said Laurence Huntley, executive vice president for Marketing at Equant. "Together, we have developed a very strong roaming service based on a joint design and a common vision of the future. It is global, end-to-end, highly secure, and IP ready," Huntley continued.
World's first GRX roaming, letter of intent in US
In September, Sonera and Nokia completed the world's first GRX based GPRS roaming, with a solution fully compliant with the recommendation of the GSM Association (See Sonera and Nokia press releases September 14, 2000).
In July, Sonera was endorsed by the North American GSM Alliance LLC to supply GPRS IP roaming services. Sonera is one of only three officially recognized GSM Alliance listed GRX providers. Sonera has since signed a Letter of Intent to provide GRX service to VoiceStream, one of the major nationwide providers of communication services in the United States, with potential coverage expanding to nearly 250 million U.S. wireless customers.
Sonera (HEX: SRA)(NASDAQ: SNRA) is an international forerunner in mobile communications and mobile-based services and applications. By combining its expertise in mobile communications, the Internet and service provision, Sonera aims to develop into a global communications operator and provider of transaction and content services. 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.
Equant operates the world's largest network, providing data, Internet and voice services to multi-national companies around the globe. The network reaches key business centers in more than 220 countries and territories. For additional information, see www.equant.com.
This release may contain projections or other forward-looking statements relating to Equant that involve risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that these statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual future events or results. Readers are referred to the documents filed by Equant with the SEC, specifically the most recent filing on Form 20-F, which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including, among other things, risks relating to Equant's history of operating losses, the unpredictability of growth in Equant's markets, Equant's rapid growth, changing technology, uncertain and changing regulatory restrictions, Equant's international operations, dependence on suppliers, network security issues, competition, and volatility of Equant's stock price. All forward-looking statements are based on information available to Equant on the date hereof, and Equant assumes no obligation to update such statements.
hoovershbn.newsalert.com
/Joar |
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| To: AmericanVoter who started this subject | 10/23/2000 11:00:46 AM | | From: Joar | | | | Sonera 3Q: marked profit and sales growth
Sonera mobiles 9-mo op profit EUR 295 mln
HELSINKI, Oct 23 (Reuters) - Finland's largest telecom operator Sonera <SRA1V.HE><SNRA.O> on Monday gave the following key divisional January-September figures (million euros unless stated):
2000 1999
Jan-Sept Jan-Sept
Net sales
- Mobile communications 818 708
- Media and New Services 145 104
- Fixed network voice and data 426 415
- Equipment sales and other 108 111
Total sales 1,497 1,338
Operating profit
- Mobile communications 295 258
- Media and New Services -204 -34
- Fixed network voice and data 113 64
- Equipment sales and other 20 -3
Total operating profit 1,739 285
((Helsinki newsroom, +358-9-680 50 244, fax +358-9-680 2284, news@reuters.fi))
REUTERS
Rtr 05:26 10-23-00
nasdaq.com
/Joar |
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| To: AmericanVoter who started this subject | 11/3/2000 2:52:55 PM | | From: Joar | | | | Sonera pulls out of Swiss 3G bid
Reuters Company News - November 03, 2000 10:39
Copyright 2000 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
HELSINKI, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Finnish telecom operator Sonera said on Friday it would not bid for a third-generation mobile licence in Switzerland.
"We are not going to Switzerland," Sonera spokesman Jari Jaakkola told Reuters.
The company was part of the Team 3G consortium in Switzerland, partnered with Spanish Telefonica and Australian One.Tel .
Sonera currently has third-generation licences in Finland, Germany, Italy and Spain, and is part of consortia bidding for high-speed mobile phone licences in Sweden, Norway and Portugal.
But the company, seen as a takeover target, has said it wants to scale back its 3G, or Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), licence commitments, easing is financial burden and focusing on licences it has already won.
hoovershbn.newsalert.com
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| To: AmericanVoter who started this subject | 11/6/2000 5:21:17 PM | | From: Joar | | | | Noblestar and Sonera zed Develop the First Fully Customizable Wireless Community in the U.S.
PR Newswire - November 01, 2000 11:52
Next Generation of Spontaneous Wireless Interaction Created
RESTON, Va., Nov. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Noblestar, the company that elegantly engineers successful digital businesses, has completed the initial phase of a strategic engagement for Sonera zed to develop an innovative new wireless community, allowing consumers to interact via WAP-enabled digital phones and handheld devices. zed(TM), a subsidiary of Sonera Corporation (Nasdaq: SNRA) and a pioneer in developing personalized intelligent services for wireless devices, will deploy the new application to European and U.S. wireless operators. This initiative is considered among the largest wireless end-to-end projects in the U.S. to date. It is also one of the first large-scale wireless applications developed in the U.S. that will be launched in Europe.
The wireless community will be accessible through zed's wireless portal, which is available on Internet-enabled phones. For the first time, consumers can create personalized, interactive communities based on common interests and supported by message forums, interactive chats and an event calendar. Online communities, which have fueled much of the Internet's growth and mass acceptance, are driven by consumer demand for instant messaging and access to just-in-time information. With this latest technology, consumers will be able to receive real-time information about topics that are important to them and instantly exchange information with others who share those interests -- all untethered.
Following are examples of how this wireless community can be used as a lifestyle tool:
-- Players in a golf tournament can establish a private community that allows them to instantly engage in digital conversations with colleagues playing on the course. Once they have established their community, they can receive updates on scores and tips on playing different holes, as well as share anecdotes about humorous or noteworthy golf shots.
-- On any given weekend, teens participate in a myriad of academic, arts
and athletic activities that have them competing against other schools.
Students, coaches, advisors and families will be able to fuel school
spirit by tapping into up-to-the-minute results, standings and
individual performance breakthroughs.
-- Someone closely following the 2000 Presidential election can use zed's
wireless community to participate in a public community, enabling him
or her to receive breaking news about candidates or voting results and
then launch into a debate with others while watching the election saga
unfold.
"zed is at the forefront of the wireless revolution, with a clear understanding that industry dominance will be achieved by those mobile operators that provide consumers with value-added solutions, not technology systems," said Paul Opalack, Noblestar CEO and founder. "Based on this understanding, Noblestar created this solution as a key part of zed's ambitious strategy to provide the best value-added elements for mobile operators and their customers. This offering goes further than anything on the market today."
"This compelling wireless solution will help U.S. and European wireless operators create unprecedented lifestyle solutions for their customers," said Paul Hughes, COO for Sonera zed u.s., inc. "While partnering with Noblestar to deliver a unique service for today's consumer, we have also created a foundation upon which we can rapidly build and deliver additional innovative services as wireless technologies and mobile device capabilities evolve."
Noblestar engineered the solution so that users can access the service through their PCs, wireless handsets or PDAs to create and participate in communities based on common interests. Once a community is defined, users can choose the interactive features they want, including message forums, real time chats, a calendar of community-related dates and many other features novel to zed's wireless community. Members can fully customize their online experience by creating and controlling their own communities. The entire set of communities will expand and grow spontaneously with the interests and imaginations of end-users. The solution contains integrated back-end architecture, built with the latest XML and XSL technologies, and is accessible from an Internet-enabled digital phone, a wireless PDA or a Web browser on a PC. Untethered users with these devices can reach the system using a WAP browser or SMS-capable devices. While this first generation will create a groundswell of consumer-oriented interactive communities, "we fully expect to see this innovative solution add significant value in the business-to-business environment as well," adds Mr. Opalack.
"Noblestar was referred to Sonera zed by McKinsey & Company, after we requested a comprehensive review of the leading Internet professional services firms with wireless expertise," said Mr. Hughes. "Noblestar demonstrated early market leadership in architecting and delivering mobile and wireless business solutions, based on more than 30 completed engagements in the U.S. and Europe."
Sonera zed will roll out the service in Europe later this year, followed by a launch in the U.S. during the first quarter in 2001.
About Noblestar
Pioneering cutting-edge technologies for more than a dozen years, Noblestar elegantly engineers successful digital businesses today to power the classic businesses of tomorrow. Noblestar has earned a reputation among industry leaders for delivering high impact, complex solutions in rapid timeframes for Global 1000 companies. Noblestar recently launched its Wireless Accelerator, a community of wireless experts who focus on innovation, development, awareness, and education, as well as develop next-generation technologies that Noblestar can apply to its clients' eBusiness strategies. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Noblestar has 460 employees in 10 locations around the world, including Amsterdam, Austin, Boston, Houston, London, New York City, Parsippany, San Francisco, and Warsaw. Information about Noblestar can be found at noblestar.com
About zed(TM)
zed is a global pioneer in personalized intelligent services for wireless devices combining the best features of mobile communications and the Internet. zed was conceived, designed and built to support and promote true mobility in both consumer and corporate environments. The range of zed services turns the wireless device into a communications, information and mobile commerce tool. Currently zed services are available in WAP and SMS environments, with the ability to expand the services into future technologies, GPRS and UMTS. At the end of June 2000, zed had over 700,000 monthly users out of Sonera's 2.2 million GSM customers in Finland. Of these active zed customers, 30% had registered at zed's Finnish website in order to personalize their services. Sonera zed ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sonera Corporation (HEX: SRA; Nasdaq: SNRA, sonera.com). zed's US headquarters are in Boston, MA, with global headquarters in the UK. More information on zed can be found at zed.com.
SOURCE Noblestar
hoovershbn.newsalert.com
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| To: AmericanVoter who started this subject | 12/4/2000 6:40:25 PM | | From: Joar | | | | Nokia and Sonera Sign Supply Agreement for Advanced 3G Mobile Network in Finland
HELSINKI, Finland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 4, 2000--Sonera has chosen Nokia as a supplier of a 3G system for the introduction of new mobile Internet services in Finland. Under the three year agreement, Nokia will supply its 3G IP mobility core network, including packet switched and circuit switched elements and related support services. In addition, Nokia will be a major supplier for the WCDMA radio access network.
The deal will enable Sonera to combine the power of mobility and the Internet and build on their existing business to rapidly create new services with a cost efficient 3G network. Nokia has been a supplier for Sonera's GSM network and has also delivered GPRS core elements for the creation of high-speed packet data services in Sonera's mobile network. Sonera aims to launch 3G services in major cities at the beginning of January 2002.
"We believe in a network that is evolutionary based, that supports seamless services. We chose Nokia as a 3G system supplier because we share the same joint vision for network evolution and have enjoyed a successful relationship. Exploiting GSM and GPRS networks is a significant part of our strategy that will bring cost efficiency and other benefits for our customers," says Anni Vepsalainen, Senior Vice President, Mobile Operations, Sonera.
"Sonera is already expanding its portfolio of service offerings in mobile internet, high-speed data communications and m-commerce services. With the combined strengths of Sonera's unique innovative approach to service creation and Nokia's WCDMA IP mobility networks which offers industry leading cost effectiveness, we are delighted to be able to support Sonera's drive towards the 3G market." said Dr J.T. Bergqvist, Senior Vice President, Nokia Networks. "We will support the rapid build-out of their next generation network, further developing our long-standing business relationship."
Nokia's 3G infrastructure is based on open standards, platforms and interfaces, critical for a smooth evolution to commercial 3G services in a multi-vendor network. It includes integrated end-to-end solutions covering charging, security, network management & service control applications.
Nokia already offers a full range of support services and solutions to help network providers differentiate in today's fast-changing business environment and rapidly build out 3G networks.
Sonera (HEX:SRA, NASDAQ: SNRA) is an international forerunner in mobile communications and mobile-based services and applications. By combining its expertise in mobile communications, the Internet and service provision, Sonera aims to develop into a global communications operator and provider of transaction and content services. In 1999, Sonera`s revenues amounted to EUR 1.85 billion and profit before extraordinary items and taxes was EUR 0.5 billion.
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges. Notes to Editors:
3G is also known within Europe as UMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunications System. 3G is the future of mobile communications and in Nokia's vision, IP-based technologies will eventually form the core of the future mobile network. Nokia's GSM/UMTS system will gradually evolve to an all-IP system, having 3G GPRS network elements as its base. The 3G system will complement the existing GSM system, not replace it. It will be the vehicle that provides wireless access to multimedia services, and a way to provide more voice capacity, or a mixture of voice and multimedia services.
CONTACT: Nokia Networks
Communications Department, + 358 9 5113 8193
www.nokia.com
datek.com
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| To: AmericanVoter who started this subject | 12/5/2000 4:35:48 AM | | From: Joar | | | | SONERA BUYS SWEDISH FRONTEC SUPPORT AND OPERATIONS FOR 55 MLN SK (~5,5 M USD)
(The following is a reformatted version of a press release issued by Sonera Oyj.)
Helsinki, Dec. 5 -- Sonera Juxto combines forces with Frontec Support and Operations AB to start providing ASP services in Sweden
Sonera Corporation (HEX: SRA, Nasdaq: SNRA) has purchased the entire share capital of the Swedish application services company Frontec Support and Operations AB (FSO) from the parent company Frontec AB. The organization now purchased will form Sonera Juxto AB, which will start providing Sonera's ASP services in Sweden. In addition, Sonera Juxto AB and Frontec AB have agreed on starting cooperation in selling and marketing.
Frontec Support and Operations AB provides management services for Frontec AB's e-business customers. The services comprise data system management and support services. Under the agreement, FSO's management services business, support services, customer agreements and application services provision are transferred to Sonera Juxto. At the time of purchase, the price of the deal is SEK 55 million. The final price will be determined by the company's financial result in 2001, the maximum price of deal being SEK 70 million.
"Frontec Support and Operations AB's experience in the Swedish application services market and the needs of the Swedish customers as well as the skillful personnel are a welcome addition to Sonera Juxto, now that the company is expanding its operations to Sweden," says Senior Vice President Jukka Leinonen of Sonera. "Sonera Juxto AB will be responsible for the provision of Sonera's ASP services in Sweden and focus particularly on developing the wireless use of application services."
"In the future, Frontec AB will focus on consulting related to eBusiness," says Per Tjernberg, CEO of Frontec AB. "ASP services are an interesting part of eBusiness. Sonera has both the ambition and the resources to provide new kinds of advanced ASP services in Sweden. Sonera's mobile Internet expertise provides significant added value for the customers."
The estimated revenues of FSO in 2000 amount to SEK 47 million. The company employs 58 people. The personnel will continue in the company, retaining seniority.
Sonera Juxto aims to become an internationally significant provider of application and management services. The company focuses particularly on providing access to application services from wireless terminal devices. ASP (Application Service Provision) is business in which a corporate customer rents a package comprising a licence to use applications and services, and the building, maintenance and updating of the applications and services concerned from an application service provider. In addition to application services, Sonera Juxto provides infrastructure management services covering workstations, mobile phones and other wireless communications devices, LANs, remote networks, servers, data processing platforms and partly also customer applications.
For further information, please contact:
Senior Vice President Jukka Leinonen, Sonera tel. +358 2040 66831, +358 40 553 7071 e-mail: jukka.leinonen@sonera.com Welcome to the press conference On Tuesday, 5 December 2000 at 9 a.m. (local time) World Trade Center, meeting room Paris, Klarabergsviadukten 70, Stockholm, Sweden
The press conference will be broadcast live on the Internet and is later available on-demand. You can take part in the virtual conference at www.sonera.com
quote.bloomberg.com
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| To: AmericanVoter who started this subject | 2/12/2001 11:59:49 PM | | From: Joar | | | | Mkt Sees Sonera's Glass As Half Full After FY Report
Dow Jones International News Services - February 12, 2001 09:47
By Poul Funder Larsen and Xueling Lin
Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
COPENHAGEN (Dow Jones)--Stock in Finnish telecommunications company Sonera Corp.(SNRA) has been hammered over the past year, but Monday's full year report predicting accelerated growth for 2001 may signal a tentative change in fortunes.
Sonera is forecasting increased sales growth this year despite a considerable slowdown in key communications markets and strong growth from its mobile Internet subsidiary Sonera Zed. Analysts welcomed the report after Sonera's disappointing earnings performance last year but they added a note of caution about strategic direction.
"The release today contained no negative surprises, and on the positive side Sonera seems to be showing healthy growth in its new business areas," said John Karidis, an analyst with Commerzbank in London.
At 1420 GMT Monday Sonera stock was trading at EUR17.40, up 1.3% on the day and above an intraday low of EUR16.05, touched shortly before release of the full-year numbers. Sonera has been a major casualty of the bear market for European telecommunications stock over the last twelve months. Down some 10% this year, it has lost more than 80% of its market value since hitting a peak of EUR97 in March 2000.
And policy issues are seen as central to the company's recovery.
"The key issues for Sonera aren't so much result numbers, they're strategic," said Jo Oliver, analyst with Lehman Brothers. "Sonera lacks scale and you need scale in mobile," he argues.
And Lars Horslund, analyst with Danske Securities in Copenhagen, also said that Sonera's ambitious international investments have yet to prove their worth.
"We think some of the projects, for example the 3G (mobile investment) in Germany, are too big. We just don't understand why they're doing it. It's too risky," he said.
All key earnings figures were already contained in a preliminary statement released Jan. 18, so what analysts were keener to hear about was the future.
Sonera was upbeat about Zed's potential, predicting sales "to increase fivefold this year from last year's pro forma figure of about EUR10 million."
Within six months Sonera expects Zed to be available to at least 80 million mobile phone users on three continents.
The company also said that sales of Sonera SmartTrust, its mobile security solutions provider, are likely to be twice as high as 2000's pro forma figure of EUR25 million.
Last year Sonera invested an additional EUR240 million in the development of its new businesses, including Zed, SmartTrust and its Applications Service Provider business that offers clients on-line access to software.
This large investment was a major reason for Sonera's lower than expected pre-tax profit, excluding one-off gains, of EUR310 million for the full year 2000 - down one-third compared with 1999.
Monday Sonera also reassured the market that a planned listing of Zed and SmartTrust is on track.
But Lehman Brothers' Oliver sounded a word of caution regarding Zed and SmartTrust.
"They're still young ventures which have a lot to prove. They've started to make commercial agreements....which is encouraging, but they need to show they can create value."
On the top line Sonera continued to grow its sales last year, up 11% to EUR2.06 billion.
A breakdown of the figures for Sonera's core operations in the full year report were also a shade stronger than expected, a pleasant surprise given previous disappointments, analysts said.
"The concern in January was there was no detail on domestic operations and profitability of mobile operations. As it was, the mobile numbers were in line if not a bit better than we'd expected," said Oliver.
Company Web Site sonera.fi
-By Poul Funder Larsen, Dow Jones Newswires; 45-3311-1524; poul.larsen@dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires 12-02-01
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