SAN DIEGO-Qualcomm Inc. announced a $70 million contract with African Telecommunications Inc. to supply a wireless local loop system in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) based on Code Division Multiple Access technology. Qualcomm plans to begin deployment of the cdmaOne WLL system in mid-1998, with commercial service expected by late this year.
“Our relationship with AfriTel has a strategic vision,” said John Major, president of Qualcomm’s Wireless Infrastructure Division. “Qualcomm and AfriTel will be using CDMA wireless local loop to assist in the reconstruction and development of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country with over 46 million people and a low telephone penetration.”
