CHINA
L.M. Ericsson signed a $50 million framework agreement to expand capacity on SmarTone’s Global System for Mobile communications network in Hong Kong during the next year. SmarTone acquired an 1800 MHz license when it bought the original holder, P Plus, said Ericsson.
Glenayre and the Fujian Provincial Posts and Telecommunications Administration began a four-month system trial of wireless voice messaging on a 280 MHz narrowband personal communications services system in Xiamen, China. Voice messaging services provide mobile voice mail on a pager-sized device that can play back the message in the caller’s own voice, eliminating the need for an operator to enter and forward messages. While the network initially will be based on the InFLEXion protocol, Glenayre’s dual-mode system also supports two-way ReFLEX data messaging, the company said.
JAPAN
Orbcomm Global L.P.’s service license was authorized by Japan’s Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, the company said. Orbcomm Japan Ltd. plans to begin service Sept. 1. Orbcomm Japan also was awarded a provisional license for its ground infrastructure and a radio license for its subscriber communicators. Orbcomm expects a permanent license to be issued this summer.
BRAZIL
Harris do Brasil, a subsidiary of Harris Corp., received from the Brazilian government basic production process certification to locally produce its MicroStar line of digital microwave radios. Harris said the certification is important because it provides tax advantages and duty exemptions that it shares with its customers.
UNITED KINGDOM
Orange plc unveiled Nexus, its $18.36 million call center, in Darlington, England. At the opening ceremony June 26, a giant orange curtain covering the front facade of the building fell away to reveal the 60,000-square foot facility designed by architect Nicholas Grimshaw & Partners. There was traditional Chinese entertainment and lion dancing at the ceremony to celebrate Orange’s close ties with its major shareholder, Hong Kong-based conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa.
