PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad-LaqTel, a new operator in Trinidad and Tobago, has signed a $50 million contract with Nortel Networks Ltd. that will see Nortel build a third-generation nationwide wireless network.
Nortel will deploy its complete CDMA2000 1x EV-DO wireless solution, including CDMA2000 1x radio base stations, base station controllers, and core network technology, for LaqTel. The deployment is expected to be complete by the end of 2005, and the carrier expects to offer commercial services by year-end.
“LaqTel’s vision is to offer the widest range of high quality mobile telecommunication services to all the people of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as to our international visitors,” said Michael Barrow, chief executive officer of LaqTel, which was recently awarded an operating license by the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago.
Nortel said it supplies EV-DO equipment to 12 of the 21 operators across the globe currently offering commercial EV-DO service.
