THIS ISN'T THE BIG DEAL MENTIONED IN THE NEWS RELEASE THAT CAME OUT LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT I HOPE!
Wednesday May 12, 11:09 pm Eastern Time
Company Press Release
SOURCE: Nortel Networks Corporation
Asia Pacific First: C&W Optus selects Nortel Networks' Solution for Next-Generation Integrated Internet/Voice Wireless Network
US$33 Million Agreement Includes New IN Services, Network Expansion, GPRS
SYDNEY, Australia, May 12 /CNW-PRN/ - Nortel Networks (NYSE/TSE: NT) today announced a three-year, US$33 million agreement with Cable & Wireless Optus for the deployment of its General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network solution in the year 2000 -- enabling the delivery of such high-speed data services as rapid wireless Internet access -- as well as a major enhancement of C&W Optus' advanced IN (Intelligent Network) services platform and a significant expansion of its current network capacity.
C&W Optus is the first GSM mobile operator in the Asia Pacific region to commercially deploy Nortel Networks' GPRS solution for the delivery of advanced wireless data solutions.
''The Australian mobile digital phone market had been characterised by carriers differentiating their services through improved network coverage and innovative tariff plans. Wireless data transfer and the delivery of enhanced services are set to become the new battlegrounds.
''Through our investment in GPRS and the upgrade of the Intelligent Network and core platform, Cable & Wireless Optus intends to lead the Australian market in the development of these advanced mobile products. Nortel Networks' proven track record in the provision of integrated mobile network solutions makes it the ideal supplier to ensure Cable & Wireless Optus meets these goals,'' said Paul O'Sullivan, director of Cable Wireless Optus' Mobile Division.
''Data traffic is growing 10 times faster than voice, and global wireless subscribers are increasing at 20 percent per year, versus three percent for wireline -- by implementing GPRS, C&W Optus is taking the first step towards a truly integrated Unified Networks solution spanning wireless data and wireless telephony,'' said John O'Connell, general manager, GSM Wireless Solutions, Nortel Networks. ''Our packet-based GPRS solution is also the first step towards third generation (3G) mobile technology and will place C&W Optus at the forefront of GSM wireless solutions.''
Nortel Networks' GPRS solution provides packet radio access to external packet data networks, such as the Internet, enabling a high spectrum efficiency by sharing GSM time slots between different users, producing data rates of up to 115 kbit/s, and offering a very low call set-up time. GPRS also offers direct IP (Internet Protocol) connectivity, in a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint mode.
GPRS will also allow C&W Optus to offer cost effective innovative solutions to its customers. For example, it will allow a user to remain connected to the Internet for an unlimited period of time without using dedicated network resources -- combining the power of data with the convenience of mobility for 'anytime, anywhere' access.
In addition, GPRS will facilitate a host of practical wireless applications, such as high-speed Internet and Intranet access, personal messaging services, file transfers, field service applications like taxi and courier dispatch, and such telemetric applications as ATMs, automatic dispensing machines and electricity meters. GPRS devices will also extend beyond mobile telephones to include PDAs (personal digital assistants) and in-built computer devices.
''Nortel Networks' growing portfolio of advanced and differentiating IN services -- like Virtual Private Networks (VPs), Prepaid Calling, Geo Zone, Location Inquiry and others -- will enable C&W Optus to strengthen its competitive position in this country's rapidly growing mobile market,'' said O'Connell. ''In fact, this agreement will help C&W Optus set new benchmarks for mobile services innovation in Australia.''
Nortel Networks' end-to-end IN solutions consist of four key components: the next-generation ServiceBuilder IN platform for network control and management, and for responding, with customised solutions, to the individual communications requirements of its customers; GSM network components to support network signalling and switching functions; service consultancy and application development; and a comprehensive portfolio of off-the-shelf IN offerings for bringing services rapidly to market.
Nortel Networks' close working relationship with C&W Optus dates from the establishment of Optus, as Australia's second carrier, in 1992. At that point, Nortel Networks was awarded a five-year, strategic supply contract for the supply of DMS switching systems, and went on to become sole switching supplier for local, long distance and international wireline services, as well as for the carrier's mobile network. In 1997, Optus also selected Nortel Networks to implement a next-generation IN (Intelligent Network) platform for the development and deployment of new and differentiating customer services.
Cable & Wireless Optus is Australia's only fully integrated communications company servicing over three million customers. The company provides a broad range of communications services including mobile, national and long distance services, local telephony, business network services, Internet services and pay television.
Since commencing operations in 1992, Cable & Wireless Optus has constructed fixed, mobile and satellite networks, including central business district and suburban local access networks. These networks provide the company with an advanced technology platform capable of delivering integrated communications, information and entertainment services.
Cable & Wireless Optus is a member of the Cable & Wireless Group, a leader in global communications operating in more than 80 countries around the world.
Nortel Networks delivers value to customers around the world through Unified Networks solutions, spanning mission-critical telephony and IP-optimised networks. Customers include public and private enterprises and institutions; Internet service providers; local, long-distance, cellular and PCS communications companies, cable television carriers, and utilities.
Nortel Networks' common shares are listed on the New York, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and London stock exchanges. Nortel Networks had 1998 revenues of US$17.6 billion and has approximately 75,000 employees worldwide.
SOURCE: Nortel Networks Corporation
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33 Mill. is nothing to sneeze at but I am picturing something in the billions. Any idea when the news on the BIG deal will come out if this is not it?
Ron Dior |
