Nortel to build CDMA2000 1X network in Vietnam

July 17, 2005

Hutchison Telecommunications (Vietnam) in cooperation with Hanoi Telecom, has selected Nortel to build a nationwide CDMA2000 1X network in Vietnam. When this network is completed, it will enable delivery of advanced broadband mobile services in Vietnam.

Under terms of the contract, Nortel will be the infrastructure supplier for what is expected to be Vietnam's first nationwide wireless broadband network. This network will use CDMA2000 1X and 1xEV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) technology, which is designed to compete with wireline broadband data speeds.

"We are pleased with awarding the network contract to Nortel," said Dennis Lui, chief executive officer, Hutchison Telecommunications International, the parent company of Hutchison Telecom Vietnam.

"We are confident that their (Nortel) experience will help us fast-track communication infrastructure development in Vietnam." said Dr. Pham Ngoc Lang, chairman of the Board of Management, Hanoi Telecom.

Hutchison Telecom Vietnam and Hanoi Telecom entered into a Business Cooperation Contract in July 2004 to build, construct and operate a CDMA2000 network in Vietnam.

"Nortel is very committed to the Asia market," said Steve Pusey, president, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) and Asia, Nortel. "We're delighted to be working with Hutchison Telecom Vietnam and Hanoi Telecom on this 'greenfield' project to bring the most advanced technology to bear in Vietnam."

As part of the agreement, Nortel will provide CDMA2000 1X radio base stations, base station controllers, switching platforms and other related equipment. Nortel will also supply CDMA2000 1xEV-DO equipment and additional services necessary to successfully design, build and integrate the new network.