US : U.S. Cellular has selected Nortel Networks to supply CDMA2000 1X core, radio and wireless access technology and professional services to support expansion of its nationwide third generation (3G) wireless voice and data network.

Under a new multi-year agreement, U.S. Cellular plans to deploy, expand and upgrade CDMA2000 1X radio base stations, switching and other related equipment from Nortel Networks. This will enable U.S. Cellular to expand its footprint into markets acquired from AT&T Wireless earlier this year, including Oklahoma City, St. Louis, Springfield, Mo., and Portland, Maine. Nortel Networks is the sole supplier to these markets.
Nortel Networks wireless infrastructure technology will position U.S. Cellular to offer enhanced voice capacity, expanded call coverage, and new data products and services like Internet browsing, e-mail, games, productivity tools, and instant messaging.

"Our expansion strategy includes the assurance of a superior network for our customers, while maintaining operating efficiencies," said Mike Irizarry ( INSET ), executive vice president, engineering and chief technology officer, U.S. Cellular. "We chose Nortel Networks because of its leading wireless infrastructure technology and extensive experience in providing 'best-in-class' service and network operations."

"This extends our long-standing relationship with U.S. Cellular, and we are pleased to support its entry into these new markets," said Steve Slattery, president and general manager, CDMA/TDMA, Wireless Networks, Nortel Networks. "We believe we deliver some of the best wireless networks in the world, so it's particularly rewarding when customers who know us well continue to choose us as they grow."

CDMA2000 1X is a next generation, ITU-approved, IMT-2000 technology standard designed to double voice capacity, and to support wireless data speeds up to 153 kilobits per second -- 10 times the rate available through circuit-based technology -- on a single 1.25 megahertz carrier in existing spectrum.

Nortel Networks has deployed wireless networking equipment for U.S. Cellular since the mid-1980s. Nortel Networks is implementing CDMA2000 1X for leading service providers around the world, and has designed, installed and launched CDMA networks over varying terrain and population densities for more than 65 operators across 17 countries, including more than 35,000 3G-ready base stations as of August 2003.