On the 22^nd of June 2006, Nokia and Siemens announced that they would merge the Networks Business Group of Nokia and the carrier-related operations of Siemens into a new company, to be called Nokia Siemens Networks. The 50-50 joint venture would create a global leader with strong positions in important growth segments of fixed and mobile network infrastructure and services. Nokia Siemens Networks would have its operational headquarters in the Helsinki, Finland, metropolitan area, and have strong regional headquarters in Munich, Germany, where three of the future five divisions of the new company would be based.

The combined company is positioned to lead the development and implementation of revenue-generating and cost-saving products and services via its scale and global reach. Nokia Siemens Networks would have one of the world’s best research and development teams, with the ability to invest in next generation fixed and mobile product platforms and services. The new company would have a world-class fixed-mobile convergence capability, a complementary global base of customers, a deep presence in both developed and emerging markets, and one of the industry’s largest and most experienced service organizations.

Nokia Siemens Networks would be able to offer its operator customers a comprehensive portfolio of fixed and mobile network products supported by a full range of professional services. The company’s portfolio would include Next Generation Network convergence products like IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem), 2G GSM/EDGE access (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution), 3G WCDMA/HSDPA access (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access/High Speed Downlink Packet Access), extensive mobile core, fixed broadband, transport, IPTV (Internet Protocol Television), LTE (Long Term Evolution), WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) and low-cost mobile voice products tailored for emerging market operators.

On the 29th of January 2007, Nokia and Siemens announced that they would start sharing the proposed product portfolio plan for the future Nokia Siemens Networks with employees and customers starting in early February. Nokia and Siemens have made strong progress towards the integration of Nokia Siemens Networks. The transaction has been given antitrust approval in the European Union and the United States, and the new company's global mode of operation and organizational structure have been defined. The planned merger to create Nokia Siemens Networks is expected to close in the first quarter of 2007.

For more information, please visit the global Nokia Siemens Networks website: http://www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com/