AirTouch Communications Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding with PT Intidaya Sistelindomitra to offer wireless services in Indonesia using the Globalstar satellite-based communications system. The companies will pursue a license and establish operations to sell Globalstar service in Indonesia. AirTouch said it plans to oversee technical and marketing functions for the service, while Intidaya will have primary operating responsibility. AirTouch is a partner in Globalstar, which plans to offer voice, data and fax services via a low earth orbit satellite system beginning in late 1998.
L.M. Ericsson signed an agreement with Shandong Post and Telecommunications Administration to expand its Global System for Mobile communications network in Shandong, China. Ericsson values the contract at $30.7 million. Total capacity of the expanded system will be 500,000 subscribers. The Shandong province is located on China’s east coast and is one of the country’s most populous and economically prosperous provinces of the country, Stockholm, Sweden-based Ericsson said.
American Phoenix Group Inc. through its subsidiary, Tetherless Access Asia Ltd., will form a joint venture with Rayes Group Company Ltd. Rayes Group is a Chinese company operating as China On-Line to establish wireless network communications in mainland China. According to the agreement, the companies will use Tetherless Access’ wireless network hardware and software to link Chinese companies into China-On Line’s existing national Internet backbone network.
Telefonica del Peru, in conjunction with Motorola Inc.’s Cellular Infrastructure Group, launched Code Division Multiple Access service in Lima, the capital of Peru. Motorola’s Pan American Wireless Infrastructure Division deployed CDMA cell site equipment to overlay Telefonica del Peru’s existing analog network in Lima. CDMA will allow Telefonica del Peru to expand the capacity of its network to 20,000 subscribers. The network operates at 800 MHz and includes Motorola’s SC 9600 base stations and EMX 2500 large capacity switching system.
SBC Communications Inc. and Telekom Malaysia agreed to jointly pursue a share in South Africa’s state-owned telecommunications company, Telkom SA Ltd. The South African government announced plans to sell a 30 percent share in Telkom SA last year. James P. Myers, president of Southwestern Bell International Development Africa Ltd., a subsidiary of SBC, said, “SBC’s role in helping in the rapid modernization of Telmex, the Mexican phone company, coupled with Telekom Malaysia’s robust growth in telephone service and technical leadership in rural telephony provide a unique combination of strengths that make us an ideal partner for South Africa.” The company said a final decision on awarding the license is expected to be made April 1.
