LONDON-Israeli wireless carrier Partner Communications Co. Ltd. will offer its customers the Merlin U530 PC modem card though a deal with Lucent Technologies Inc. and Novatel Wireless. Partner expects to launch commercial UMTS third-generation services in Israel later this year.
“At the beginning of June, we started a controlled launch of our 3G services with around 1,000 customers who were able to experience mobile broadband access, some of them using the Merlin U530 data card from Lucent and Novatel Wireless,” said Iris Beck, vice president of market and content for Partner. “The trial was designed to ensure a high quality of the service prior to commercial launch.”
The carrier plans an initial UMTS service launch in the Gush Dan area, including Tel Aviv, Givataim and Raanana, with coverage expanding to other areas.
Lucent and Novatel have announced similar deals with several European mobile carriers.
