AirTouch, Nortel Networks Sign US$500 Million Contract for Wireless
Equipment
Unified Networks Solution Will Expand, Upgrade
Los Angeles, Great Lakes Region
DALLAS, Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ - AirTouch Cellular (AirTouch Communications NYSE: ATI) today signed a
multi-year, US$500 million contract with Nortel Networks (NYSE: NT/TSE: NTL) to expand and upgrade
AirTouch's digital cellular networks in Los Angeles and in the Great Lakes region.
Nortel Networks has now received awards for new wireless networks and network expansions valued at
nearly US$1.5 billion in just over the first 30 days of 1999, and more than US$2 billion in the last 60 days.
With completion of the Los Angeles buildout later this year, Nortel Networks will supply about 40 percent
of the network infrastructure for AirTouch's US cellular markets.
Nortel Networks will provide both analog and cdmaOne (IS-95 CDMA) digital wireless network
infrastructure equipment for AirTouch's Los Angeles market including DMS-MTX SuperNode switching
equipment.
AirTouch will also deploy the Nortel Networks CDMA Metro Cell, which has unparalleled modularity and
flexibility, and positions wireless operators to deliver third generation (3G) wireless services.
''Nortel Networks provided us with a compelling way to expand and further improve our network in
Southern California,'' said Nancy Hobbs, executive vice-president and general manager, AirTouch Cellular.
''This contract gives us an opportunity to upgrade our network so that we meet customer needs for the
next century while reducing costs over time,'' Hobbs said. ''We like the Nortel Networks solution today
and we share their vision of the future.''
''Our CDMA portfolio, extensive experience in deploying large-scale digital networks and our Unified
Networks(x) vision of IP-based mobile networks and services played a crucial role in winning AirTouch's
business in the Los Angeles market,'' said Matt Desch, president, Wireless Solutions, Nortel Networks.
''We're excited to work with AirTouch to deliver feature-rich voice and mobile Internet services to
customers in the second largest wireless market in the US.''
The Unified Networks solution from Nortel Networks will provide AirTouch's Southern California subscribers
with advanced features, and also provide an evolution to mobile Internet services.
SOURCE Northern Telecom Limited
/CONTACT: Frank McNally, Nortel Networks, (703) 712-8374,
frank.mcnally(at)nortelnetworks.com; Paul Rubin, Nortel Networks,
(972) 685-6652, paul.rubin(at)nortelnetworks.com; Or visit Nortel Networks'
website at www.nortelnetworks.com/
/Nortel's press releases are also available through CNO-Call by fax at
800-758-5804, ext. 122158 or at prnewswire.com
/Web Site: nortel.com |
