Starcomms to deploy 1xEV-DO network in Nigeria

March 14, 2006

Huawei Technologies announced that Starcomms Nigeria, Nigeria's largest private telecom operator, is to deploy Nigeria's first 1xEV-DO-based mobile broadband network. The new network will be one of Western Africa's first CDMA2000 1xEV-DO networks leveraging Huawei's latest third generation CDMA2000 1xEV-DO platform.

The network provides 3G-broadband high-speed wireless internet services capable of achieving peak data rates with a download speed of up to 2.4 Mbps and an average speed of 300 Kbps to 500 Kbps and will also enable subscribers to watch streaming video, movies and sort broadcast over their 3G mobile handsets.

Mr. Maher Qubain, CEO of Starcomms, said, "Riding on a CDMA platform, Huawei's 1xEV-DO network will enhance the speed of accessing to the Internet for Starcomms' subscribers. With Huawei's leading CDMA2000 1xEV-DO technology and professional services, Starcomms is poised to be at the forefront of Nigeria's mobile market going forward."

"We are very proud to enable the pioneering Starcomms to deploy the first CDMA2000 1xEV-DO network in Nigeria as well as one of the first of such networks in Western Africa," said Mr. Angelo Marciano, Deputy Managing Director of Huawei's Nigerian representative office. "We are committed to providing Starcomms with our customer-oriented solutions and professional services. The launch of Starcomms' first 3G network has strengthened our partnership with Starcomms."