Nortel Supplying GSM to Siberia

Russia's BaykalWestcom has extended an existing wireless data network supply agreement with Nortel Networks to include network equipment and services for expansion across portions of Siberia. Nortel Networks is the sole supplier of GSM and GPRS network equipment and professional services for BaykalWestcom. The network upgrades will position BaykalWestcom to increase network capacity to accommodate up to 180,000 subscribers. Deployment is scheduled to begin in September 2003 with completion by year end.

"Our relationship with Nortel Networks enables BaykalWestcom to upgrade and expand our network in a very cost-effective and timely manner while leveraging our previous network investments," said Vladimir Shapovalov, general manager, BaykalWestcom. "The new GPRS network will allow us to increase our coverage areas and compete for new subscribers, as well as to launch a new era of wireless data services that can generate new revenues."

Nortel Networks has provided BaykalWestcom with wireless infrastructure equipment and network engineering and consulting services since 1998. Deployments announced today will leverage BaykalWestcom's existing GSM network, which was also deployed by Nortel Networks, and include products from Nortel Networks radio base station, base station controllers, SGSN and GGSN portfolios.

Nortel Networks has been active in the Russian market since 1992."

Posted to the site on 5th September 2003