InterDigital Inc (IDCC)

[Data_Rox]

Lucent wins PHS network enlargement contracts from Shandong Netcom worth USD-50-mln
Aug 14 2003
http://www.thefeature.com/index.jsp

Shanghai. INTERFAX-CHINA - Lucent, a global integrated telecom solution provider based in the U.S., has inked several sales contracts with Shandong Netcom, one of the main provincial units of China Netcom, to enlarge the latter's existing PHS, i.e. Xiaolingtong or wireless local loop, networks. The total value of these contracts exceeds USD 50 mln.

Under the contracts, Lucent will enlarge PHS networks in Shangdong Province's four major cities, including Qingdao, Jinan, Weifang and Yantai. This expansion is the third phase enlargement for Qingdao's PHS network, and the fifth phase PHS network enlargement for the other three cities. After this round of expansion, the total PHS network capacity of the four cities will be 2.7 mln subscribers.

Qingdao first set up its PHS network in October 2002. Jinan, Weifang and Yantai all began the construction of their PHS networks at the end of 2001. All of their present PHS networks have been laid out based on Lucent's 5ESS switches, which are manufactured by Lucent's joint venture founded in 1993 and located in Qingdao. The number of PHS subscribers has been increasing rapidly in the above four cities since the official launch of local PHS networks, thus prompting Shandong Netcom to continue enlarging the PHS networks.

Lucent claimed in a statement sent to Interfax that it has developed a value-added PHS system based on the company's 5ESS switches. Besides the traditional voice communication functions, the new PHS system can also provide value-added telecom services, such as SMS, Hi-Mode, High-speed wireless data communications, pre-payment services, orientation services and Centrex services.

- WS

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