SaskTel expand 3G network

June 30, 2005

SaskTel Mobility, a Canadian wireless communications provider, has selected Nortel to expand its 3G CDMA2000 1X and 1xEV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) network in the province of Saskatchewan.

The network will deliver broadband wireless services like e-mail, Web browsing, video mail, wireless gaming and content streaming at speeds close to high-speed wireline connections. Nortel is the sole supplier of SaskTel Mobility's current 1X and EV-DO network.

The network is expected to be available by August 2005 when Regina, the capital of Saskatchewan, hosts the 20th annual Canada Summer Games. SaskTel Mobility will be demonstrating the benefits of the 1xEV-DO network at the Summer Games. General service availability in Regina and Saskatoon is scheduled for later in 2005. SaskTel and Nortel are sponsors of the Summer Games, Canada's premiere multi-sport event, which alternates every two years between summer and winter sports at locations across the country.

"Nortel is making it possible for us to deliver an improved wireless data network that will allow SaskTel Mobility customers to use services such as video mail and messaging, wireless gaming and content streaming at speeds close to high speed wireline Internet connections," said Robert Watson, president and chief executive officer, SaskTel.

"Nortel's 1X and EV-DO solutions will help improve call clarity, boost network capacity and create efficiencies that can help reduce operating costs while at the same time, increase revenue potential with the delivery of advanced wireless voice and data service offerings," said Richard Lowe, president, CDMA, Nortel.

Under a new expansion agreement with SaskTel Mobility, Nortel will provide CDMA2000 1X radio base stations, base station controllers, switching platforms and other related equipment. Nortel will also supply SaskTel Mobility with CDMA2000 1xEV-DO equipment for initial deployment in Regina and Saskatoon.

Nortel's EV-DO technology will allow SaskTel Mobility customers to download data on their mobile devices at speeds up to 2.4 Mbps with average data speeds of 300 to 500 Kbps or six times faster than available on current 1X networks.