San Francisco's WiFiAnywhere Initiative Demonstrates Collaborative Approach to Connecting People to the Mobile Internet

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 31 - The latest generation of wireless Internet devices meets the newest generation of high school students as Nokia (NYSE:NOK) kicks off its participation in the city of San Francisco's WiFiAnywhere initiative, a collaboration between public, private- sector and non-profit organizations that will give communities the opportunity to experiment with leading-edge mobile technologies. Nokia will provide wireless Internet tablets and Nokia Nseries multimedia computers to over 40 deserving San Francisco high school students, giving them a new creative video medium to explore, and a hands-on introduction to the wireless Internet.

"The divide between those San Franciscans with access to the internet and those without has deep and significant implications," said San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. "It's through programs and collaborations like this, where we can make sure that students at our public schools have access to the internet regardless of where they live or their income level -- and the tools to make it relevant -- that we will finally bridge that divide."

"Participating in WiFiAnywhere is a unique opportunity to put some of the world's most advanced mobile devices in the hands of its newest users," said Nokia Vice President, Strategy and M&A Gerard Wiener. "We are seeing a change in how people use their mobile devices, prompted by an Internet that is becoming accessible not just from within a home or office, but virtually anywhere and everywhere."

WiFiAnywhere officially launches on January 31st, 2007, at John O'Connell High School at 10:30 a.m. with a press event featuring Mayor Newsom, Gerard Wiener of Nokia and students from the two participating high schools: Balboa and John O'Connell. San Francisco State University and the Bay Area Video Coalition, which are co-creating a website for this program, http://www.wifiany.org/ , will also be represented. This website will be the central repository for student-created video, blogs and other content.

The WiFiAnywhere initiative also demonstrates how private sector, non- profit and government organizations can join forces around an innovative educational project. The Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC), an advanced non- profit media technology access and training center, have selected and will train more than 40 students to operate the Nokia devices. With WiFiAnywhere, training and support are part of the project from the very beginning, and San Francisco Unified School District guidelines for ethics and online security are strictly adhered to.

The first initiative for the students is to create a digital video showcasing important people that have made a difference in their lives by helping them achieve their goals and dreams. Other programs will include the creation of multimedia yearbooks. Other facets of the WiFiAnywhere initiative will include connections to students in sister cities and contests that will turn participants into video bloggers, reporting on the people and places that make up their community.

The Nokia devices themselves represent the state of the art for connecting wirelessly with the Internet. They include:

   *  Nokia Internet Tablets - providing instant wireless access to the Web,
      enabling students to chat with friends using instant message and
      Internet calling (VoIP), browse websites, read/compose emails, stream
      audio, play videos and more-anywhere within the reach of a WiFi
      network.
   *  Nokia N90 and N93 Nseries Multimedia Computers - featuring high-
      quality video and compatibility with the Internet Tablets, giving
      students the ability to record their lives, then immediately upload
      the results to their tablets and the Web.

"Nokia's participation in the WiFiAnywhere program in San Francisco is broadening the opportunities for independent youth media makers and giving them emerging and relevant technologies critical to today's digital landscape," said BAVC Executive Director Ken Ikeda.

"San Francisco State University is committed to developing community based technologies and solutions in partnership with the City of San Francisco, Nokia and our community based partners," said Joaquin Alvarado, Director of San Francisco State University Institute for the Next Generation Internet. "Open wireless networks provide a unique opportunity to develop innovative programs addressing the digital divide, mobile content generation and community collaboration. SFSU will work to connect this work with our major initiatives in digital media, youth development, and health equity."

About Nokia

Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. Further information is available at http://www.nokia.com/ .