Nortel Wins 3G Contract in Trinidad and Tobago

LaqTel, a new operator in Trinidad and Tobago, has signed a contract with Nortel, valued at approximately US$50 million, to build a 3G wireless network for nationwide delivery of mobile broadband services.

"Laqtel's vision is to offer the widest range of high quality mobile telecommunication services to all the people of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as to our international visitors," said Michael Barrow, chief executive officer of LaqTel, which was recently awarded an operating license by the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago.

"We will rely on Nortel's proven EV-DO solutions and unparalleled experience in deploying advanced networks of this kind to help us build a 3G mobile network that will establish our country as a telecom leader in the Caribbean region," Barrow said.

Nortel will deploy its complete CDMA2000 1xEV-DO 3G wireless solution for LaqTel, including CDMA2000 1X radio base stations, base station controllers, and core network technology. The deployment is expected to be complete by the end of 2005.

"We applaud LaqTel's visionary approach of jumping right into 3G to provide their customers with a greatly enhanced communications experience," said Kevin Taylor, vice president, Wireless Networks, Caribbean and Latin America, Nortel. "Nortel will work closely with LaqTel to ensure delivery of a robust network that meets all of their business requirements, and that can offer their customers in Trinidad and Tobago increased mobility and sophisticated services that can have a positive impact on their daily lives."

Posted to the site on 1st August 2005