telecom operator in the Bahamas, has selected Nortel to expand its wireless network services throughout the country. The network expansion, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2008, will allow BTC to serve more customers in more areas and offer advanced wireless services such as web browsing, streaming video and multimedia messaging.

Nortel's upgrade of BTC's existing TDMA network to GSM will expand coverage, improve reliability, provide better in-building reception and increase speed by up to three times over its current network. The new network will also include the Nortel's Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution (EDGE) technology which will allow BTC to offer its customers high-bandwidth services and accommodate additional voice traffic.

"This network expansion will keep BTC at the leading edge of telecommunications in Bahamas with a fast and reliable nationwide wireless network," said Ray Bulengo, vice president, Carrier Sales, Caribbean Region and Bermuda, Nortel. "Nortel has a longstanding relationship with BTC which is based on our ability to deliver customer satisfaction again and again through the quality, reliability and scalability of our wireless services and solutions."

"At BTC we strive to offer extensive choice of services to our subscribers in the Bahamas," said Kirk Griffin, senior executive vice president, Bahamas Telecommunications Company. "We wanted the enhanced voice and data capabilities and Nortel was the vendor with the proven wireless solution that best met our requirements for faster speed, more reliability and greater capacity. We expect the implementation of Nortel's EDGE technology to allow us to expand our customer base and offer new services."

Nortel's GSM/GPRS/EDGE portfolio is comprised of a range of high-speed services and content, and allows the introduction of profit-generating voice and data applications. The open service supports tailored mobile applications such as location-based services, multimedia messaging, streaming video and advanced mobile payment.

The software upgrade will allow BTC to evolve their network to Evolved EDGE which will support speeds up to 1 Mbps. In addition, Nortel's Evolved EDGE will serve as a bridge to next generation LTE technology in a cost effective way.

Information Source:    Nortel