On December 31st, Nokia will welcome the New Year in an unique style - by connecting millions of music lovers from around the world as they count down the final minutes of 2006. Nokia New Year's Eve, a global music event stretching across four continents, will feature a number of international artists including The Black Eyed Peas and Scissor Sisters to entertain audiences at New Year's celebrations from Hong Kong to Rio de Janeiro. Those unable to attend in person can experience the party via television or the internet.

Nokia New Year's Eve will travel from east to west, starting in Hong Kong's Ocean Terminal, followed by Mumbai's Andheri Stadium, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro and rounding off the night in New York.

Nokia New Year's Eve looks set to be the world's biggest New Year's party of 2006 with the five events expected to have a combined attendance of 1.3 million and an anticipated global television and Internet audience of 150 million.

In the coming weeks, Nokia will announce further details, including additional international and local artist announcements - artists who are sure to get people talking around the world.