3G CDMA2000 1xEV-DO For Latin America

Vesper, a Brazilian operator providing services in 17 states in the Southeastern and Northern regions of the country, has selected Nortel Networks as the sole supplier of its CDMA2000 1xEV-DO (Data Optimized) network to improve capacity and enable delivery of high-speed and broadband wireless data services.

In what is expected to be the first commercial deployment of this technology in Latin America, this agreement provides for Nortel Networks to deliver its comprehensive Nortel Networks Univity CDMA2000 1xEV-DO solution for expansion of Vesper's Sao Paulo network, enabling data transmission with peak rates up to 2.4 megabits per second.
This deployment will also significantly increase Vesper's network capacity, as well as position Vesper to deliver advanced data services such as Web browsing, video and audio streaming. It will also support multimedia applications to provide faster access to corporate intranets, e-mail with large attachments, and mobile desktop capabilities for enterprise customers.

The network is expected to be launched commercially in December of 2002.
"Once again Vesper is innovating by introducing 3G technology in the Brazilian market," said Luiz Kaufmann, president, Vesper. "Our customers will be provided with access to the Internet and the fastest wireless data communications available today in Brazil. And Nortel Networks - as Vesper's solution provider since the beginning of our operations - was chosen for this implementation because of its advanced technical solution and the synergies that characterize the project."

"This latest agreement with Vesper provides further proof of our leadership position in building advanced Wireless Data Networks around the world," said Herve Adam, managing director, Nortel Networks Brazil. "We are working closely with our customers in Latin America to evolve their existing infrastructure and deploy reliable networks that will drive new revenue opportunities."

"Nortel Networks has an unmatched combination of packet core, code division and access expertise to help maximize network performance and operator return on investment," said Steve Slattery, president and general manager, CDMA/TDMA, Nortel Networks. "Nortel Networks Univity CDMA2000 1xEV-DO solutions also leverage operators' existing spectrum investments. This is critical as networks move toward 3G where greater performance must be matched by cost effectiveness."

Building on market-leading CDMA2000 1X capabilities and experience, Nortel Networks CDMA2000 1xEV-DO solution will be enabled through a simple upgrade to Nortel Networks Univity CDMA Metro Cell base stations, and will pave the way to all IP (Internet Protocol) networks and reduced network operating expenses. Nortel Networks Univity 1xEV-DO solution for Vesper includes the CDMA Metro Cell radio base station equipped for 1xEV-DO, 1xEV-DO Radio Network Controller and Element Management System, Shasta BCN 5000 Packet Data Serving Node (PDSN), Passport IP routing platforms and related infrastructure.

Nortel Networks is currently deploying CDMA2000 1X technologies with leading customers around the world, including BellSouth, SMARTCOM PCS and SERCOM (Telgua) in Latin America. Nortel Networks and Verizon Wireless are currently conducting CDMA2000 1xEV-DO wireless network trials in San Diego. A CDMA leader since 1995, Nortel Networks has designed, installed and launched networks for more than 60 CDMA customers in 15 countries. Nortel Networks has deployed more than 15,000 CDMA2000 1X base stations around the world.