Europe
: Nokia is expanding and modernizing PORTA's GSM/EDGE network in Ecuador
under a USD77 million agreement. PORTA, the leading mobile operator
in Ecuador with almost two million customers throughout Ecuador, and
nationwide GSM services, will increase its subscriber capacity with
an additional 1 million subscribers allowing Nokia to continue as
PORTA's sole GSM/EDGE infrastructure supplier.
Under the expansion agreement Nokia is supplying a complete range
of GSM/EDGE infrastructure equipment and services to enable PORTA
to further expand and modernize its network. Deliveries are ongoing
and the network is expected to be operational by the end of 2004.
PORTA´s main objective for this expansion is to increase and
continue giving their existing and future customers premium quality
service. Expanding the network allows PORTA the opportunity to provide
the best quality in communication services.
The technology that Nokia and PORTA have introduced to Ecuador is
one of the most advanced GSM/EDGE based network in the Americas, which
allows a new era of services for Ecuadorian cellular users. This technology
will give to subscribers the first step towards the next generation
of 3G mobile services.
"We are very proud that we are able to contribute to the development
of Ecuadorian wireless communications in providing products and services
that promote communication and the adoption of new mobile services
in the country," says Ruben Moron, Account Manager, Networks,
Nokia Ecuador.
As part of the offering, Nokia will supply its GSM/EDGE core and radio-access
network infrastructure. In addition to the network equipment, Nokia
will provide expansions to the Nokia NetAct(TM) network and service
management system, network planning, installation, and project management
service for efficient network ramp-up, as well as radio network optimization
for enhancing network quality. A wide range of care services, including
software maintenance, emergency support and spare part management
services, will help maintain the competitiveness of the network.
About PORTA
PORTA has been operating since 1993 and is the mobile operator leader
in Ecuador with national service. PORTA is part of America Movil group
(AMX), the telecommunications company leader in wireless services
in Latin América with diverse operations in the American Continent
and more than 50 million of subscribers in the region.