
Above
shows Adelaide's current 3G coverage.
Australia
: Alcatel announced a $AUD 7.5 million joint investment with the Australian
Government in m.Net Corporation, a consortium of multinationals, Australian
IT and telecommunications companies, government and research organisations.
The investment will be used to upgrade m.Net's next-generation UMTS/WCDMA
wireless network in the city of Adelaide and turn it into the most
advanced 3G network in Australia.
Within
the investment program m.Net will be able to take advantage of Alcatel's
expertise in end-to-end UMTS/WCDMA technology and leading mobile expertise.
The enhanced network that results will stimulate the development of
new 3G applications by providing Australia's application developer
community access to the latest 3G technology.
Alcatel
is an existing member and key technology provider of the m.Net Consortium
and this project is further evidence of the company's commitment to
next-generation mobile technology and to the Australian Information,
Communication, Entertainment and Technology (ICeT) economy.
"Collectively
with Alcatel and other consortium members, we are making new and significant
advancements in 3G and mobile broadband," said Horden Wiltshire,
Chief Executive Officer, m.Net Corporation. "Support from private
sector companies with global mobile communications expertise, such
as Alcatel, and the backing of the Australian Government is vital
if Australia is to become a global leader in 3G technology and mobile
broadband internet," he concluded.
"By
providing the opportunity to foster innovation locally, Alcatel is
ensuring that market-ready 3G applications will be available in Australia,"
said Tony Cullen, Executive General Manager, Mobile, Alcatel Australasia.
"Alcatel has market leading 3G experience worldwide and supplies
systems for mobile communications networks globally. We are continually
looking for ways to strengthen our presence in the global 3G market
and we are glad to do so locally by further extending our participation
in m.Net with this investment," he added.
The m.Net
Australia project is supported by the Australian Government through
the Advanced Networks Program of the Department of Communications,
Information technology and the Arts.