TAIWAN
Chunghwa Telecom Labs (CHTTL), the technology development group of Taiwan’s state-owned telecommunication operator, has selected Nokia to conduct its third-generation trials. Nokia will provide CHTTL with the core and radio network, network management system and technical consultancy services. Then based on the trial results, CHTTL will build its wideband-CDMA testbed with Nokia’s 3G technology. Dr. Lung-Sing Liang, president of CHTTL, described the trial as “a great step in the development of 3G technology in Taiwan.” He added, “Through this trial, CHTTL will enrich its 3G W-CDMA capabilities, strengthen Chunghwa Telecom’s competence in 3G mobile communications and speed up the provisioning of new services to our customers in the ever-evolving wireless marketplace.”
UNITED KINGDOM
Nortel Networks and BT Cellnet announced they are working together outside of London to accelerate development of new wireless Internet applications. The companies will work with suppliers and subscribers on developing new applications through testing and market introduction. According to their plans, services will be delivered using GPRS networks and adapted for use on UMTS networks. Initially, the focus will be on mobile entertainment and business applications. Peter MacKinnon, vice president and general manager of applications and devices for Nortel, said, “This is an innovative example of how Nortel Networks helps its customers to create sustainable advantage in bringing wireless Internet applications to market quickly and profitably.”
Research In Motion Ltd., the Canadian-based manufacturer of the popular wireless messaging device BlackBerry, announced it signed a supply agreement with U.K. operator BT Cellnet for 175,000 handheld units. RIM said its BlackBerry will work over BT Cellnet’s GPRS service and will include support for Java 2 Micro Edition, a PC docking cradle and PC synchronization software. BT Cellnet boasts more than 10 million customers.
