Nortel 3G solutions to support 850, 1700 / 2100 MHz bands

April 5, 2006

Nortel has introduced new solutions designed to provide wider availability of mobile broadband services, make it possible for wireless operators to leverage their existing 2G spectrum and utilize new spectrum being made available to deliver next- generation services and capabilities.

Nortel's new solutions are designed to help wireless operators deploy UMTS-based 3G networks in the 850 MHz and 1700/2100 MHz frequency spectrums. This complements Nortel's efforts in Europe where it is driving spectrum efficiency through the approval of 900 MHz spectrum to be used for UMTS and HSXPA services in Europe.

UMTS with turbo-charged HSDPA is capable of delivering speeds up to four times faster than many of today's current fixed broadband connections to enable interactive mobile gaming, DVD-quality film, enterprise applications and other bandwidth-intensive services.

The 850 MHz band is currently being used by operators in North America, the Caribbean, and Latin America to provide 2G/GSM services. Nortel's new product enhancements are designed to allow those operators to use their existing 850 MHz band of spectrum to support advanced 3G/UMTS services.

Nortel's product enhancements can be used by operators that secure new U.S. 1700 / 2100 MHz spectrum which will be made available through an FCC auction scheduled in June 2006.

"Nortel is working with carriers around the world to enhance their network capabilities and extend mobile broadband to more and more people," said Jean-Luc Jezouin, vice president GSM & UMTS Products, Nortel. "Because spectrum will remain a costly and limited resource, Nortel has engineered ways to help customers re-farm and reuse it, allowing them to make the most of their investment. With today's product introductions we will also be prepared to support the additional spectrum as it is made available by the various regulatory bodies."

Nortel's 850 MHz and 1700 / 2100 MHz solutions are scheduled for commercial availability in the second half of 2006 and are designed for use with Nortel's existing base station portfolio. In addition, Nortel's GSM-UMTS BTS 18000 supports both GSM and UMTS in tandem, an added benefit for operators needing to support customers on both, while migrating from GSM to UMTS.

Demonstrations of data calls in the 850 MHz and 2100 MHz will be conducted at CTIA Wireless 2006 in Las Vegas (Las Vegas Convention Center, Hall C, Booth No. 1835) April 5-7.