Warid Telecom Selects Nortel Networks VoIP Solution to Build Long Distance Network in Pakistan
Four-Year Frame Contract Signed for Procurement of NGN InfrastructureISLAMABAD, Pakistan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 2, 2004--Warid Telecom has awarded Nortel Networks (NYSE:NT) (TSX:NT) a four-year frame contract to provide a voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) next generation network (NGN) in Pakistan. This highly efficient network will allow Warid to deliver high quality National and International Long Distance under license from the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA).
Under the frame contract, Warid Telecom will deploy Nortel Networks VoIP Long Distance Solution, which includes Nortel Networks Succession Communication Server (CS) 2000-Compact and Nortel Networks Passport Packet Voice Gateway (PVG), to deliver full-featured, carrier-grade telephony and data services. In addition to fixed-line long distance traffic, the Nortel Networks backbone will also be capable of carrying wireless traffic and local loop traffic for Warid Telecom's future GSM subscribers.
"Pakistan is the first venture in Warid Telecom's plan to provide telecommunications services to markets in the Middle East and Africa, and this contract with Nortel Networks is the first we have awarded," said Hamid Farooq, chief operating officer, Warid Telecom. "We selected Nortel Networks because of its global leadership in IP telephony and NGN technologies and because of its strong local presence in Pakistan."
"By leveraging a Nortel Networks NGN solution that is widely recognized by global carriers for reducing capital and operating costs while speeding time-to-market for differentiating services, Warid Telecom is poised for success in Pakistan's newly deregulated LDI market," said Kamal Ahmed, managing director, Pakistan, Nortel Networks. "There is great potential in Pakistan's telecommunications market, and we look forward to working closely with Warid now and into the future."
The Warid Telecom next generation network will be based on two Nortel Networks Succession Communication Server (CS) 2000-Compact superclass softswitches, 15 Passport PVGs -- including one in the United Kingdom to serve as Warid's first international POP (point of presence) gateway -- and a Nortel Networks Periphonics Pre-paid Services Platform to provide a pre-paid calling solution capable of supporting unique value added services.
Nortel Networks Succession CS 2000-Compact softswitch enables service providers to deliver the full suite of traditional voice services to business and residential customers on a packetized network, with voice and data traffic sharing the same communications lines to provide more efficient and cost-effective use of existing transmission capacity. As a trunk gateway, Passport PVG is an integral part of Nortel Networks IP telephony solutions. It offers complete carrier-grade options for long distance, local exchange, wireless and cable operators.
For the entire year of 2003 and the first quarter of 2004, Nortel Networks ranked #1 in the global markets for voice over packet ports shipped and global softswitch revenue, according to Synergy Research Group.
Nortel Networks, which has a proven portfolio of products and services for packet voice services, is providing its Succession voice over packet solutions to a number of leading operators, including Bell Canada, Cable & Wireless Cayman Islands, Charter Communications, China Netcom, China Railcom, Cox Communications, Hong Kong Broadband Network, MCI, Sprint and Verizon Communications.
Warid Telecom is privately owned company by a group of UAE based investors, and is headed by His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, chairman of United Bank Limited and a principal of Bank Al Falah, two of Pakistan's leading commercial banks. Recently, Warid Telecom was awarded a license to launch a new GSM mobile telephone service in Pakistan, and is currently bidding for a domestic local loop (LL) licenses besides LDI.
Nortel Networks is an industry leader and innovator focused on transforming how the world communicates and exchanges information. The Company is supplying its service provider and enterprise customers with communications technology and infrastructure to enable value-added IP data, voice and multimedia services spanning Wireless Networks, Wireline Networks, Enterprise Networks, and Optical Networks. As a global company, Nortel Networks does business in more than 150 countries. More information about Nortel Networks can be found on the Web at www.nortelnetworks.com or www.nortelnetworks.com/media_center.
Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events.
Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the outcome of Nortel Networks independent review and planned restatement of its previously announced or filed financial results; the impact of the management changes announced on April 28, 2004; the impact of the inability to meet Nortel Networks filing obligations on support facilities and public debt obligations; the sufficiency of Nortel Networks restructuring activities, including the potential for higher actual costs to be incurred in connection with restructuring actions compared to the estimated costs of such actions; continued reductions in spending by Nortel Networks customers; fluctuations in Nortel Networks operating results and general industry, economic and market conditions and growth rates; the communication by Nortel Networks auditors of the existence of material weaknesses in internal control; Nortel Networks ability to recruit and retain qualified employees; fluctuations in Nortel Networks cash flow, level of outstanding debt and current debt ratings; the use of cash collateral to support Nortel Networks normal course business activities; the dependence on Nortel Networks subsidiaries for funding; the impact of Nortel Networks defined benefit plans and deferred tax assets on results of operations and Nortel Networks cash flows; Nortel Networks dependence on new product development and its ability to predict market demand for particular products; Nortel Networks ability to integrate the operations and technologies of acquired businesses in an effective manner; the impact of rapid technological and market change; the impact of price and product competition; barriers to international growth and global economic conditions, particularly in emerging markets and including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of rationalization in the telecommunications industry; changes in regulation of the Internet; the impact of the credit risks of Nortel Networks customers and the impact of customer financing and commitments; stock market volatility generally and as a result of acceleration of the settlement date or early settlement of Nortel Networks purchase contracts; the impact of Nortel Networks supply and outsourcing contracts that contain delivery and installation provisions, which, if not met, could result in the payment of substantial penalties or liquidated damages; the future success of Nortel Networks strategic alliances; and the adverse resolution of litigation, investigations, intellectual property disputes and similar matters.
For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, see the most recent Form 10 Q/A and Form 10-K/A filed by Nortel Networks with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, Nortel Networks disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Nortel Networks, the Nortel Networks logo, the Globemark, Business Without Boundaries, Succession, Passport and Periphonics are trademarks of Nortel Networks.
Contacts
Nortel Networks
Isabel Lee, 65-6360 8828
bellee@nortelnetworks.com
or
Bridget Braxton, 972-685-8813
bbraxton@nortelnetworks.com
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