Italy's BLU Signs Estimated US$138 Million Wireless Deal With Nortel Networks
IP-Based GSM Network to Put New Operator at Forefront of
Wireless Internet Revolution
PARIS, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire/ - BLU S.p.A. has signed a contract with Nortel Networks (NYSE/TSE: NT) worth an estimated US$138 million (EUR 135 million) over 18 months - and potentially an estimated US$500 million over five years - for a nationwide digital wireless network that will position Italy's fourth GSM operator, chaired by Professor Giancarlo Elia Valori, to the forefront of the Wireless Internet revolution.
A breakthrough win for Nortel Networks in Europe's largest and most dynamic mobile market, the contract includes a turnkey GSM 1800 network with a packet-based, IP (Internet Protocol) backbone. Nortel Networks also expects to play a role in evolving the network to GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and UMTS (Universal Mobile Telephone Service) for future, high-speed Wireless Internet services.
This award gives Nortel Networks a strong foothold in a very important market,' said Matt Desch, president, Service Provider Solutions for Nortel Networks in Europe and Asia. ``BLU will soon be able to give Italians access to a high-performance Wireless Internet, ready to provide a wide range of exciting multimedia services.'
BLU S.p.A. is the new mobile operator in Italy. The company has been formed by both leading Italian and international investors with the following shareholders: Autostrade (32%), British Telecommunications (20%), Mediaset (9%), Edizioni Holding (9%), Distacom (9%), Banca Nazionale del Lavoro (7%), Palatinus (7%) and Italgas (7%). Thanks to this synergy and to the contribution of systems and technology suppliers, a new offer of innovative and high quality services will soon be available for Italian customers. BLU is deploying its network to offer easy-to-use innovative basic and interactive services, promoting the image of an information society free from technological barriers. The technological challenge of BLU and its suppliers resides in the deployment of a traditional GSM 1800 network and its integration with third generation UMTS systems, where BLU intends to apply for a license. |
