3G Wireless Data Network for Centennial

Dominican Rep : Centennial Communicatios has selected Nortel Networks to supply a third generation (3G) wireless data network for Centennial's Dominican Republic operations, Centennial Dominicana, a leading telecom service provider in the Dominican Republic. Expected to be fully operational by the end of 2003, the new network will provide leading-edge wireless voice and data services throughout the island.

Under an agreement announced today, Nortel Networks will replace Centennial Dominicana's existing CDMA 3G network with a complete CDMA2000 1X 3G solution including access and core networking equipment. The new network is expected to significantly increase capacity and improve coverage and delivery of wireless data services. The agreement also includes Nortel Networks wireline switching solutions.

"We are very excited about this deal, which will enable all of our cell sites to support 3G and maintain the most modern, technologically advanced, and highest capacity wireless network in the Dominican Republic," said Michael Small, chief executive officer, Centennial Communications. "These improvements to our wireless network will allow us to accommodate rapid subscriber growth, position us to double our switch capacity, and allow us to further expand our 3G service availability throughout the Dominican Republic.
"Once our wireless network is operating fully on 3G technology, our individual and business customers on the Island can expect improved coverage areas offering superior service experiences," Small said.

"We are working closely with Centennial, one of the region's most innovative operators, to help them evolve and expand their wireless network to meet growing subscriber demand and to deliver the latest data services," said Dion Joannou, president, Caribbean and Latin America, Nortel Networks. "This agreement further strengthens our leadership position in providing advanced telecommunications solutions for the Caribbean region."
"Leading wireless operators around the world continue to turn to Nortel Networks to meet their 3G networking needs," said Steve Slattery, vice president and general manager, CDMA/TDMA, Wireless Networks, Nortel Networks. "Our wireless infrastructure technology is designed to help operators boost capacity, reduce costs, and deliver new data offerings."