Belize Switches to GSM

Siemens IC Mobile has been selected by the operator Belize Telecommunications Limited (BTL) as the sole supplier for its GSM network, which will be an upgrade from the company's existing AMPS service. The order is worth around US$13 million. Siemens in the Netherlands, Siemens Nederland N.V., will supply and install all the radio and switching technology for setting up a national GSM/GPRS mobile radio network in Belize in spring 2002. The network is due to go into operation in mid 2002.

Siemens' delivery to BTL comprises a complete GSM/GPRS mobile radio network that includes the core switching system, remote radio stations, VoiceMail system, SMS system, Prepaid platform, call detail recording system, and operating and maintenance centers. The network supports the 1900-MHz GSM frequency and is initially designed for 25,000 mobile users and is easily expandable to meet the expected growth and migration of BTL's customer base.

"BTL has always provided Belize with the latest technology and our decision to have Siemens as our long term partner providing their GSM and GPRS technology attests to this" said Ediberto Tesucum, Chief Executive Officer of BTL. "We look forward to building on this relationship in other areas of telecommunications."'"

Posted to the site on 20th May 2002