Bangkok--Jul 28--124 Communications
Hutchison Telecommunications (Vietnam) S.? R.L. (Hutchison Telecom Vietnam), in cooperation with Hanoi Telecommunications Joint Stock Company (Hanoi Telecom), has selected Nortel* [NYSE/TSX: NT
] to build a nationwide CDMA2000* 1X network in Vietnam. When this network is completed, it will enable delivery of advanced broadband mobile services in Vietnam.
Under terms of the contract, Nortel will be the infrastructure supplier for what is expected to be Vietnam’s first nationwide wireless broadband network. This network will use CDMA2000 1X and 1xEV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) technology, which is designed to compete with wireline broadband data speeds.
“We are pleased with awarding the network contract to Nortel,” said Dennis Lui, chief executive officer, Hutchison Telecommunications International Limited [SEHK: 2332, NYSE: HTX
], the parent company of Hutchison Telecom Vietnam. “With Nortel’s advanced telecommunications technology, combined with our marketing and operational expertise, we will be well-positioned to establish a leading operation in a telecom market that has huge growth potential.”
“We chose Nortel for this solution because of its proven track record in deploying wireless broadband networks across the globe,” said Dr. Pham Ngoc Lang, chairman of the Board of Management, Hanoi Telecom. “We are confident that their experience will help us fast-track communication infrastructure development in Vietnam.”
Hutchison Telecom Vietnam and Hanoi Telecom entered into a Business Cooperation Contract in July 2004 to build, construct and operate a CDMA2000 network in Vietnam.
"This strategic win emphasizes our commitment to working with Hutchison Telecom Vietnam and Hanoi Telecom to bring the benefits of wireless communications to a broader section of Vietnamese society,” said Chang-Lung Ng, managing director, Nortel Vietnam. “Leveraging our advanced telecommunications technology will help drive national prosperity and deliver the competitive benefits of the global Internet economy.”
“Nortel is very committed to the Asia market,” said Steve Pusey, president, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) and Asia, Nortel. “We’re delighted to be working with Hutchison Telecom Vietnam and Hanoi Telecom on this ‘greenfield’ project to bring the most advanced technology to bear in Vietnam.”
As part of the agreement, Nortel will provide CDMA2000 1X radio base stations, base station controllers, switching platforms and other related equipment. Nortel will also supply CDMA2000 1xEV-DO equipment and additional services necessary to successfully design, build and integrate the new network.
Nortel supplies EV-DO equipment to 12 of the 21 operators across the globe currently offering commercial EV-DO service, including Verizon Wireless in the United States, Vesper in Brazil, Smartcom in Chile, Pelephone in Israel, Asia Pacific Broadband Wireless in Taiwan and Telstra in Australia. Nortel also provided EV-DO equipment to Eurotel for the first commercial 450 MHz EV-DO service in Eastern Europe. With its CDMA equipment designed to support 1xEV-DO through modular upgrades to existing hardware, Nortel re-uses existing base station equipment to help operators reduce or eliminate the need for costly hardware replacements.
Nortel has designed, installed and launched more than 300 wireless networks in over 70 countries. Nortel was the first supplier with wireless networks operating in all advanced radio technologies and is the only end-to-end provider of all next generation wireless solutions.
About Hutchison Telecommunications International Limited Hutchison Telecommunications International Limited (Hutchison Telecom) is a leading global provider of telecommunications services, with operations in eight markets around the world. As of 31 March 2005, Hutchison Telecom has 13.3 million mobile customers. It operates mobile and fixed telecommunications services in Hong Kong and mobile services also in Macau, India, Israel, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Ghana, with Vietnam intending to commence service. It was the first provider of 3G mobile services in Hong Kong, where it also provides broadband and fixed-line telecommunications services. Hutchison Telecom operates common brands across its business including "Hutch," "3" and "Orange". It is a listed company whose American Depositary Shares are quoted on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker HTX and shares are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code 2332.
A subsidiary of the Hong Kong-based Hutchison Whampoa Group, Hutchison Telecom is dedicated to providing superior telecommunications services in markets with high growth potential. See www.htil.com.
About Hanoi Telecommunications Joint Stock Company
Hanoi Telecommunications Joint Stock Company (Hanoi Telecom) is a Vietnamese corporation established under Prime Minister’s approval in 2001 with full licenses that to date has been providing Internet as well as Voice over IP services in Vietnam.
The majority of shares of Hanoi Telecom are owned by the Vietnam Government through two entities, Hanel and HTI. These two entities have been involved in a wide range of businesses in Vietnam for over 20 and 50 years respectively, including telecom software, manufacturing and integration of electric and electronic appliances, PCs and consumer products, as well as owning and operating a hotel, office blocks, and serviced apartments.
Hanoi Telecom obtained a spectrum license to provide CDMA mobile services since 2003.
About Nortel
Nortel is a recognized leader in delivering communications capabilities that enhance the human experience, ignite and power global commerce, and secure and protect the world’s most critical information. Serving both service provider and enterprise customers, Nortel delivers innovative technology solutions encompassing end-to-end broadband, Voice over IP, multimedia services and applications, and wireless broadband designed to help people solve the world’s greatest challenges. Nortel does business in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit Nortel on the Web at www.nortel.com. For the latest Nortel news, visit www.nortel.com/news.
For more information:
Isabel Lee Chaiwat Simawattana/ Patcharavadee Julotai
Corporate Mktg & Comms, 124 Communications PLC
ASEAN/PAK Nortel Tel: 66-2 662 2266
Tel: 65-6380 8828 (ESN 623) Fax: 66-2 204-2662
Fax: 65-6380 8668 End.