New Operator Takes 3G Wireless Network

Trinidad : LaqTel, a new operator in Trinidad and Tobago, has signed a contract with Nortel, valued at approximately US$50 million, to build a 3G wireless network for nationwide delivery of mobile broadband services.

LaqTel selected Nortel to build an advanced wireless infrastructure to provide its subscribers with 'anywhere, anytime' access to a variety of services including Web browsing, large file downloads and online gaming at speeds comparable to fixed broadband connections like DSL. LaqTel also plans to offer business customers secure mobile access to their corporate data networks from any wireless device, making it possible for them to remain productive when away from the office.

"Laqtel's vision is to offer the widest range of high quality mobile telecommunication services to all the people of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as to our international visitors," said Michael Barrow, chief executive officer of LaqTel, which was recently awarded an operating license by the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago.

"We will rely on Nortel's proven EV-DO solutions and unparalleled experience in deploying advanced networks of this kind to help us build a 3G mobile network that will establish our country as a telecom leader in the Caribbean region," Barrow said.