China
Motorola Inc.’s Network Solutions Sector signed two contracts to provide its Global System for Mobile communications network infrastructure in China. The first contract, with Tianjin Mobile Communications Corp., calls for Motorola to install a GSM 1800 network by the first quarter of next year, providing service for 300,000 subscribers. The second contract, with Liaoning Mobile Communications Corp., calls for Motorola to deploy its Horizon system infrastructure solutions for additional coverage and capacity on Liaoning Mobile’s GSM 900 network.
Greece
Greek mobile telecommunications operator Cosmote deployed Nokia Corp.’s MetroSite system in its Global System for Mobile communications network. The system includes Nokia’s MetroSite GSM Base Station, MetroHopper Radios and MetroHub Transmission Node. Nokia said the MetroSite solution is intended for dense call traffic networks, such as train or subway stations, and incorporates both GSM 900 and GSM 1800 transceivers in the same cabinet allowing for dual-band operation.
France
Wildfire Communications said French carrier Bouygues Telecom will expand Wildfire’s availability in the country. The mobile carrier will deploy capacity for more than 100,000 customers of Lucie, Bouygues Telecom’s brand name for its voice-enabled personal assistant. In addition, a second “lighter” version of the service, initially targeted at the business market, will be made available to the consumer market. The simplified offering is the result of studies by Bouygues Telecom and Wildfire, the companies said.
United Kingdom
Formus Communications Inc. said its U.K. subsidiary was awarded a public telecoms operator license from the U.K. Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. Formus Communications UK will use point-to-point radio technology and digital subscriber loop to deliver services after obtaining additional governmental authorizations. Formus said it is developing a business plan to identify the U.K. markets in which it can provide broadband Internet service solutions.
