Cable and Wireless Jamaica is purchasing USA-manufactured cellular communications and equipment from Nortel Networks and eight other U.S. exporters as part of a US$173 million project, with the assistance of a US$72.3 million, seven-year loan guarantee from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank).
Cable and Wireless Jamaica, a majority-owned subsidiary of British-based Cable and Wireless PLC, has contracted with Nortel to create a GSM network with island wide coverage and to upgrade CWJ's existing data-transmission landline network. Ex-Im Bank is guaranteeing a loan by Citibank N.A., of New York, N.Y., to CWJ.
"The United States provides the best in technologically sophisticated equipment such as this, which will help improve telecommunications service in Jamaica," Ex-Im Bank Chairman Philip Merrill said. "Ex-Im Bank is pleased to support exports like these, which benefit workers and companies in the United States, as well as people in emerging markets like Jamaica."
Nortel is the lead exporter and is providing base station transceivers. The other U.S. exporters are: Hewlett Packard, providing computer hardware and software; PowerTech Services, providing emergency generators; Digital Island, providing design services; Glenayre Electronics, providing messaging hardware and software; Tallard Technologies, providing a PABX system; Global Communications Consulting, providing radio equipment; and Rohn Industries providing transmission towers."
Posted to the site on 5th January 2004
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/10361.php