Antel Invests US$20mn to Deploy 3G Network

Uruguayan state-run telecoms operator Antel is planning to invest US$20mn to deploy a 3G network based on UMTS-HSDPA technology in the country, local press reported.

Through a contract signed with French telecoms equipment provider Alcatel-Lucent, Antel would be able to offer their clients innovative services such as videoconferencing, mobile broadband, multimedia and mobile TV, among others.

Antel's president María Simón said the project started in 2005, when the telco launched a pilot program to test the technology.

"Antel used technology from Chinese equipment manufacturer Huawei for the initial tests but then selected Alcatel-Lucent after an international bidding process," Signals Telecom Consulting's market research director Carlos Blanco told BNamericas.

"The initial deployment will be limited and then extended to other areas," Blanco said.

Blanco also said that other mobile operators in the country are likely to follow Antel's lead with 3G launches potentially this year.

Other mobile operators in the local market are Movistar Uruguay, the local mobile unit of Spanish telco Telefónica, and América Móvil's unit CTI Móvil.

Antel plans to invest US$90mn in 2007, up 29% compared to US$70mn in 2006. Investment will be earmarked mainly to expanding broadband infrastructure, offering new services through fixed line telephony and deploying mobile base stations."

Posted to the site on 30th May 2007