RoW International Short Takes

Nortel, Sprint complete smart antenna trialsNortel Networks Corp. and Sprint PCS have completed trials of Nortel’s CDMA smart antenna technology, which is designed to double the voice capacity of Sprint’s current technology while using existing spectrum. The trials were conducted using Nortel’s Metro Cell product platform over a CDMA wireless network at the company’s facilities in Ottawa. Nortel’s smart antenna is based on Adaptive Antenna Beam Selection (AABS) technology and provides a more spectrally efficient system that allows for increased voice and data traffic using existing spectrum resources. Alcatel inks GSM network expansion contract in ChinaThrough its Chinese joint venture, Shanghai Bell Alcatel Mobile Communication System Co., Alcatel has signed an agreement to expand the Zhejiang GSM network. The contract is estimated to be worth approximately US$76 million. Once the expansion is complete, the network will be capable of handling 16 million subscribers. Under terms of the contract, Alcatel will deliver and install its Evolium mobile infrastructure (base stations, base station controller, mobile switching centre and home location recorder) and software. The network rollout is anticipated to take place in seven cities and regions of the Zhejiang province in the first half of this year. Nokia and BTC Mobility sign infrastructure dealBTC Mobility, one of Bermuda’s wireless operators, has contracted Nokia to build an advanced GSM wireless network. The agreement calls for the supply of switching equipment, base stations and base station controllers, as well as radio transmission, network management and GPRS packet data solutions. In other Nokia news, the company has signed a deal with Austrian mobile operator ONE to supply its mobile positioning system. The system, dubbed Nokia mPosition, will bring next-generation location-based services to ONE’s mobile subscribers in the region. Under the agreement, Nokia has supplied the Nokia mPosition solution, including Serving Mobile Location Center, Nokia Gateway Mobile Location Center, services and installation. Nokia has already begun to deliver the products and the system is anticipated to be operational during the second quarter of this year. Additionally, the company has agreed to build out the 3G network of German operator E-Plus Mobilfunk GmbH & Co. KG. Nokia will be the exclusive vendor for E-Plus’ 3G core network and a major supplier of its radio access network. The contract is valued at 150 million euros and builds upon a near-decade-long relationship between the two companies. Chinese handset maker signs deal with MotorolaEastern Communications Co. Ltd. has signed an agreement with Motorola to use its i.250 Innovative Convergence (2.5G) platform to develop cell phones. The i.250 platform is a comprehensive silicon-to-software solution that is designed to enable Eastern to quickly get to market with smart, Eastern-branded 2.5G wireless communications products. The collaboration is the expansion of a 10-year relationship between the two companies. The deal is significant for Eastern as its forges ahead with its strategy of providing anytime, anywhere communications for consumers in China. Wireless subscriber figures in the region are expected to top the 320-million mark by 2004. Benefon licenses Ericsson handset technologyFinnish telematics company Benefon has signed an agreement to license cutting edge handset technology from Swedish telecom giant Ericsson. Benefon will use the technology in mobile telematics products currently under development. The platform also enables GPRS and later releases will support 3G. The deal will help support Benefon’s push to secure a leading global position in the growing mobile telematics market. Additionally, Ericsson’s technology enables Benefon to forward its goal of providing global multiband GSM and 3G coverage.

RoW International Short Takes

News | March 18, 2002

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