Smart Communications, the wireless service provider from Philippines and Nokia have completed the first High Speed Data Packet Access (HSDPA) call in the country. The call was made in Smart’s live network.

One month after they launched their 3G service, Smart is testing HDSPA. Now that they have Nokia’s HDSPA solution, they can provide their customers speed up to four times faster compared to 3G. The contract between Nokia and Smart started in January 2006.

“Delivering best quality data services to our demanding customers has always been top on our agenda. We launched Smart 3G services only a month ago, and already we are working to enhance our network by conducting tests with HSDPA,” says Rolando Pena, Head of Network Services Division, Smart.

“We are pleased to support the success of Smart’s recent 3G launch by testing with them HSDPA, which will enhance their WCDMA network and bring faster services to their customers,” says Markku Nieminen, Account Director, Networks, Nokia. “The HSDPA call demonstrates Nokia’s deep commitment in supporting operators in an increasingly competitive environment where mobile data consumption is growing and investments in advanced services are needed. We are happy to be part of Smart’s firsts in the Philippines.”

Since launching its GSM service in 1999, SMART has introduced world-first wireless data services, including mobile commerce services such as Smart Money, Smart Load and Smart Padala. SMART is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Philippines ‘ dominant telecommunications carrier, the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company.

HDSPA is just an upgrade from the older WCDMA, which allows cost-effective, fast rollout and four times faster services.

Nokia is a leader in the HSDPA market, with over 20 contracts globally, 8 of which have been publicly announced. In WCDMA 3G networks, Nokia has 56 public references.