PAKISTAN
Millicom International Cellular SA announced it acquired Paktel Ltd., Cable and Wireless plc’s cellular operation in Pakistan. Millicom said Paktel is the No. 3 operator in the country. “MIC’s acquisition of Paktel will enhance the value of our investments in Pakistan and allow us to continue to accelerate the growth of our business and build substantial value,” said Marc Beuls, the company’s chief executive officer.
TAIWAN
In its fourth expansion deal with wireless carrier MobiTai Communications, Motorola Inc. will install macro and micro GSM 900 base stations in central Taiwan. The installation will give MobiTai the ability to upgrade to GPRS technology. The company said it expects to reach 600,000 new subscribers with the new network installation, which began in October. Motorola has previously installed its Horizonmicro cellular network equipment.
POLAND
Nokia and Polkomtel S.A., a GSM operator in Poland, have agreed to extend their long-term relationship, allowing Nokia to continue to supply network infrastructure equipment. The company will supply its Plus GSM network, including the Nokia UltraSite and InSite base station solutions. Nokia will also provide services, such as system integration, implementation and technical support. Nokia delivered the Artuse Messaging Platform last year.
PORTUGAL
TMN, the largest mobile service provider in Portugal, launched data services on its General Packet Radio Service commercial network. Alcatel, which supplied the equipment, said it is the first GPRS network commercially operating in Europe. Other European operators, including BT Cellnet and Germany’s T-Mobil, have launched pilot commercial GPRS services, offering access to a controlled group of users. “We are very pleased to be the first operator to provide commercial WAP over GPRS in Portugal,” said Eduardo Claudio, TMN divisional director of Internet business.
