Motorola Wins 3G UMTS Contract in Andorra

Andorra : Motorola announced today that it signed a 3G contract with Andorran operator, Servei de Telecomunicacions d'Andorra (STA), for a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network. The network deployment with Andorra's only network provider is planned to commence in October 2005 and will include Motorola's network optimization and support services. It will represent a true evolution for the principality in terms of mobile network capacity, service capabilities and speed.

With Motorola's high performance, cost effective UMTS network, STA will be able to provide its Andorran subscribers and 'roaming' visitors with innovative, high-speed 3G services. In addition, STA will be able to offer its customers an excellent quality of service as Motorola's UMTS solutions offer world class performance indicators comparable to high-performing GSM levels.

Says Xavier Palacios, CEO, STA: "It is well known that approximately 80 percent of Andorra's GDP is generated through tourism. So, in addition to the service benefiting the 70,000 citizens who permanently reside in the country, it will also help us to provide a high performance 3G service to the approximately nine million tourists who come to the principality every year. In a highly competitive tourist environment, this is yet another major asset we will now be able to offer visitors to the country."

"The UMTS market continues to grow, and this agreement reflects another step in Motorola's success and commitment to 3G in Europe," added Margaret Rice-Jones, corporate vice president and region management, Motorola Networks EMEA. "Motorola's innovative UMTS solution and integration capabilities, combined with our technical strength gives us a commercial advantage when dealing with STA's requirements and those of its subscribers."

This 3G contract builds on an existing long-term relationship between the two companies, through which Motorola supplied STA with a 2G GSM network.