Lucent Technologies today announced it was awarded a $20 million contract by CODETEL, the country`s primary telecommunications operator. Lucent will provide equipment, software and services that will increase the capacity and coverage of CODETEL`s existing CDMA mobile network and enable it to support third-generation (3G) CDMA2000å® 1X voice and data services.
With the CDMA2000 1X enhancements, CODETEL can offer businesses and consumers new high-speed mobile data services such as instant messaging, e- mail and Internet access at speeds of up to 144 kilobits per second (kbps) and double its voice capacity. CODETEL is able to realise these benefits without the need for additional spectrum or a substantial investment in new base stations because simple software and channel card upgrades developed by Lucent will be made to existing Lucent-supplied base stations. Software upgrades also will be made to Lucent-supplied mobile switching centers.

In addition to these upgrades, Lucent will supply Flexent® CDMA Modular Cell 4.0 base stations to increase network coverage and capacity, and Lucent Worldwide Services will provide engineering, installation, operations and maintenance services.

As part of its integrated, end-to-end solution, Lucent also will supply Packet Data Serving Node (PDSN) platforms from Cisco Systems, which enable CDMA2000 operators to provide mobile data access to the Internet, as well as corporate intranets and extranets.

“Lucent is enabling us to cost-effectively enhance and expand our CDMA network so we can add new subscribers and offer advanced 3G services,” said Isabel Morillo, Sr. Vice-president Network Operations, CODETEL.

Lucent is a long-time provider of network infrastructure for CODETEL`s network, having built mobile networks in various regions and cities in the Dominican Republic since 1994. CODETEL launched their Lucent-supplied CDMA network in 1998.
“We are very pleased to continue our work with CODETEL as they continue to grow their subscriber base and introduce new capabilities to their subscribers,” said Victor Agnellini, president of Lucent`s Caribbean and Latin American region. “Our solutions provide CODETEL with significant investment protection and enable the introduction of new revenue-generating services.”
CDMA2000 is an advanced and efficient wireless technology being introduced worldwide and an international 3G standard established by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). CDMA2000 cost-effectively evolves a multitude of network technologies to support 3G services.
Lucent`s Mobility Solutions Group is a leading global provider of mobile networking technologies, having deployed more than 80,000 spread-spectrum base stations for mobile operators worldwide, of which more than 40,000 are supporting 3G services.
Related Stories on Caribbean Weekly:
(03/09/03) Dominican Republic Course Offers a Unique, Island Golfing Experience

(08/09/03) First Clarion in Dominican Republic
——-