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Midwest Wireless Launches 3G Wireless Data Network Using Nortel Networks
Solution; CDMA2000 to Enable Next Generation Services in Minnesota, Iowa,
Wisconsin
MANKATO, Minn., Jun 2, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Midwest Wireless today announced the commercial launch of the first phase of its third generation (3G) CDMA2000 1X wireless network based on an infrastructure solution from Nortel Networks (NYSE:NT) (TSX:NT).
This deployment spans 68 counties in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. More than 50 percent of Midwest Wireless' total operational area is now enabled with CDMA2000 1X technology, constituting more than two-thirds of the population served. The remainder of Midwest Wireless' network is expected to be 1X-enabled by the end of 2003.
The CDMA2000 1X Wireless Data Network positions Midwest Wireless to boost network capacity to accommodate a greater number of voice calls. CDMA2000 1X can double voice capacity and support wireless data speeds of up to 153 Kbps, roughly 10 times faster than rates available through circuit-based technology. The network also positions Midwest Wireless to expand its line of sophisticated wireless services, including advanced data features for e-mail access and mobile Web browsing.
"As a regional provider, we're committed to bringing the very latest wireless services to the individuals who live and work in the Greater Midwest," said Dennis Miller, president and chief executive officer, Midwest Wireless. "We're excited to deploy this next generation network, which will open up a new world of wireless services to our customers and enhance their lives through expanded communication options."
"Our networking solutions boost capacity, create efficiencies that can help reduce operating costs, and enable advanced new voice and data service offerings," said Steve Slattery, president and general manager, CDMA/TDMA, Wireless Networks, Nortel Networks. "The network launched today with Midwest Wireless rivals the capabilities of any major metro area."
Nortel Networks was originally selected by Midwest Wireless in September 2002 to supply CDMA2000 1X radio access and Internet Protocol (IP) core infrastructure equipment. Network deployments began in the fourth quarter of last year, and are expected to continue through 2003.
The CDMA2000 1X deployment is part of a nine-year relationship between the two companies. Nortel Networks previously supplied TDMA network equipment to Midwest Wireless.
Products from Nortel Networks Univity Wireless Data Network portfolio deployed for Midwest Wireless include Univity CDMA Metro Cell radio base station (BTS), Univity CDMA Base Station Controller (BSC), and Univity CDMA Packet Data Serving Node (PDSN) equipment.
Nortel Networks Univity CDMA technology is designed to maximize existing customer investments in spectrum and infrastructure, to accommodate subscriber growth, and to help service providers drive down capital and operating costs. A leader in CDMA since 1995, Nortel Networks has designed and deployed CDMA networks over varying terrain and population densities for more than 65 operators across 17 countries, including more than 35,000 3G-ready base stations.
Based in Mankato, Minn., Midwest Wireless is a leading wireless services provider, with nearly 300,000 customers. The company's wireless phone service offerings include ClearlyDigital and Realm. Midwest Wireless is also a pioneer in the development of wireless data and Internet access technologies, including ClearWave, their fixed wireless broadband service that wirelessly delivers high-speed Internet access to homes and businesses. The company's new CDMA2000 1X network will complement this service by also offering up to 153K Internet access while mobile. More information on Midwest Wireless is available at www.midwestwireless.com.
Nortel Networks is an industry leader and innovator focused on transforming how the world communicates and exchanges information. The Company is supplying its service provider and enterprise customers with communications technology and infrastructure to enable value-added IP data, voice and multimedia services spanning Wireless Networks, Wireline Networks, Enterprise Networks, and Optical Networks. As a global company, Nortel Networks does business in more than 150 countries. More information about Nortel Networks can be found on the Web at www.nortelnetworks.com.
Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the severity and duration of the industry adjustment; the sufficiency of our restructuring activities, including the potential for higher actual costs to be incurred in connection with restructuring actions compared to the estimated costs of such actions; fluctuations in operating results and general industry, economic and market conditions and growth rates; the ability to recruit and retain qualified employees; fluctuations in cash flow, the level of outstanding debt and debt ratings; the ability to meet financial covenants contained in our credit agreements; the ability to make acquisitions and/or integrate the operations and technologies of acquired businesses in an effective manner; the impact of rapid technological and market change; the impact of price and product competition; international growth and global economic conditions, particularly in emerging markets and including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of rationalization in the telecommunications industry; the dependence on new product development; the uncertainties of the Internet; the impact of the credit risks of our customers and the impact of customer financing and commitments; stock market volatility; the entrance into an increased number of supply and outsourcing contracts which contain delivery and installation provisions, which, if not met, could result in the payment of substantial penalties or liquidated damages; the ability to obtain timely, adequate and reasonably priced component parts from suppliers and internal manufacturing capacity; the future success of our strategic alliances; and the adverse resolution of litigation. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, see the reports filed by Nortel Networks with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, Nortel Networks disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Nortel Networks, the Nortel Networks logo, the Globemark and Univity are trademarks of Nortel Networks.
SOURCE: Nortel Networks


CONTACT: Nortel Networks Jay Barta, 972/685-2381 [e-mail] or Midwest Wireless Shelly John, 507/327-2376 [e-mail]: http://www.businesswire.comToday's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internetwith Hyperlinks to your home page.
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