Nortel lands wireless contract

By Susan Rush
from BroadbandWeek Direct, May 8, 2002

Look out Jakarta, here comes high-speed wireless. Nortel Networks is being contracted by an Indonesian fixed wireless operator to build a CMDA2000 1X third-generation fixed wireless network.

Nortel's CDMA2000 1X wireless technology will be used to connect customers to the public switched telephone network. The networking gear provider will deliver and install base stations that will serve hundreds of fixed wireless customer terminals. The local loop network will increase capacity and enable the delivery of voice, fax, data and Internet access services. Although financial terms were not disclosed, PT Radio Telepon Indonesia (Ratelindo) said it chose Nortel because of the speed in which the network could be up and running.

Ratelindo said it chose Nortel because of the speed in which the network could be up and running. The carrier expects to begin offering services over the network in the third quarter.

This latest deal builds on Nortel's momentum in the wireless sector. Other deals recently announced by Nortel include: a 10-year frame agreement with T-Mobile for UMTS networks across Europe; a two-year CDMA-2000 3G contract from Israel's Pelephone; and a supply deal with mm02 for 2.5G and 3G equipment and services across its networks in the U.K., Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands.