ClearTalk to use ZTE for next-gen platform

ZTE USA Inc. signed a contract to supply ClearTalk Wireless with its all-IP CDMA2000 platform for third-generation voice, data and multimedia services.
ClearTalk said it plans to offer 3G services in select markets within the five states where the company operates wireless networks. To date, ClearTalk provides services in Alabama, Arizona, California, Idaho and Tennessee.
Chinese vendors such as ZTE and Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. have struggled to win contracts in the United States where CDMA developers Lucent Technologies Inc.-now part of Alcatel-Lucent-and Nortel Networks Ltd. command the largest market shares.
However, the Chinese rivals usually offer lower prices than the traditional vendors, which is beginning to draw serious attention from U.S. carriers. However, to date, tier-one carriers have resisted doing business with the Chinese vendors, opting instead to stand by their long-time suppliers.
Nevertheless, ClearTalk’s decision to use ZTE equipment as it builds its 3G network indicates that the tide may be shifting in favor of Chinese vendors.
ClearTalk and Huawei
Interestingly, ClearTalk in 2004 launched services in El Centro, Calif., and Yuma, Ariz., using equipment from Chinese vendor Huawei, called FutureWei at that time.
ClearTalk President Glenn Ishihara commented, “After an extensive evaluation process, we found that ZTE’s solutions were the best available for our current needs. They represent superior technology and a comfortable price point.”
Ishihara also pointed out that ZTE’s handset division was an important factor as ClearTalk made its decision because the carrier plans to “jointly develop applications that are delivered over both the client (handsets) and server (network).”
Ishihara said ZTE showed a “unique willingness” to work closely with ClearTalk as it plots out its plans.