Chile : Smartcom, a leading wireless operator in Chile and an affiliate of Spain's Grupo Endesa, is expanding its third generation (3G) wireless network to boost capacity and meet growing nationwide demand for advanced data services using CDMA2000 1X technology from Nortel.

Smartcom has been operating a CDMA 1X network in Santiago based on Nortel solutions since 2002. With the expansion, Smartcom will be able to offer advanced mobile services like high-speed Internet access, e-mail with attached files, image and video downloading, and video streaming to subscribers throughout Chile.

"We are continuously working to bring our subscribers the best in high-speed mobile services," said Jaime Gros, general manager, Smartcom. "Smartcom first launched 1xRTT in Santiago with Nortel technology back in 2002, and last year we launched 1xEV-DO broadband wireless services in the capital with Nortel technology. Our successful deployments with Nortel have kept us at the forefront of wireless services in Chile and our experience in broadband wireless network deployments has enabled us to provide current and potential customers with one of the most extensive arrays of broadband mobile services available today in Chile and in the world!"

Nortel is installing both core and access equipment -- including switching platforms, radio base stations and base station controllers -- to upgrade Smartcom's existing nationwide CDMA2000 network to a CDMA 1X infrastructure. The first phase of the project, focused on the south of Chile, has already been completed. Smartcom expects to start offering new services there immediately, in time for the influx of visitors during Chile's summer months. The entire project is expected to be completed by the end of 2005.

"As a leading provider of advanced wireless infrastructure in Latin America, Nortel is proud to have been chosen once more by Smartcom to help with their latest network evolution project," said Chris Zanyk, country manager, Nortel Chile. "Deploying our CDMA 1X solutions nationwide will position Smartcom to drive new, revenue-generating applications, delivering added value to its customers."

Nortel has been working with Smartcom since 2001, when the two companies began deployment of a CDMA 1X network in Santiago. They completed Latin America's first commercial 3G wireless call in November of that year. With subsequent network expansions and deployment of Nortel CDMA2000 1xEV-DO technology in Santiago, Smartcom now operates one of the fastest and most advanced wireless networks in the Southern Cone of Latin America.

"This project reaffirms our commitment to building secure and reliable communication networks that help enhance the human experience in the region and around the world," said Kevin Taylor, vice president, Wireless Networks, Caribbean and Latin America, Nortel. "We enjoy working with innovative operators like Smartcom and will continue to provide our extensive expertise in broadband wireless technologies to help them reach their business objectives."

Nortel has designed, deployed and launched more than 300 wireless networks in more than 50 countries around the world. Nortel was the first industry supplier to have wireless networks operating in all advanced radio technologies (GSM/GPRS/EDGE, CDMA2000 1X and EV-DO, UMTS and WLAN), and is the only end-to-end supplier of all new generation wireless solutions.

About Smartcom

Smartcom, of Spain's Endesa Group, is the third leading wireless operator in Chile, with over 1.5 million customers. With its continuous innovation, today Smartcom is incorporating the most advanced, high-speed wireless data technology as part of its ongoing corporate re-launch program.