Qualcomm Inc (QCOM)

[khemara_qc]

Czech Republic getting a 1xEV-DO network

The Czech Republic's Eurotel Praha has selected Nortel Networks as the sole supplier of what is expected to be the industry's first CDMA2000 1xEV-DO network operating in the 450MHz radio spectrum. The network, which is already being deployed across the Czech Republic, will help position Eurotel to introduce broadband Internet and other advanced services to wireless subscribers. Nortel Networks CDMA 450 architecture will also help position Eurotel to drive reduced capital and operating costs, and to maximize its existing investments in 450 MHz spectrum and legacy network equipment.

Network deployment is expected to be complete in the second quarter of 2004, with commercial services for Internet browsing, e-mail and rich multimedia access planned for May 2004. Nortel Networks will also provide services including engineering, installation, maintenance and optimization.

CDMA 450 is a standard for use in countries transitioning to digital wireless service from Nordic Mobile Telephone (NMT) 450 analogue service, and in countries advocating universal access for voice and data. Because of the lower radio spectrum, CDMA 450 has the advantage of covering a significantly larger geographical footprint compared to traditional cellular systems.

"Leveraging our eight-year history in CDMA, we have developed an innovative CDMA 450 product that is unbeatable in terms of driving down capital and operating costs for operators," said Steve Searles, vice president, marketing, CDMA/TDMA, Nortel Networks. "This gives Nortel Networks a unique advantage in helping wireless leaders like Eurotel deploy the most effective architecture for bringing next generation wireless data services to market."

http://www.cellular-news.com/story/10923.shtml