Go Mobile-Nortel agreement on 3G telephony

Go Mobile and Nortel Networks signed an agreement over the introduction of a state-of-the-art 3G network in Malta. The agreement will give Go Mobile a competitive edge in the provision of the latest wireless applications, including video telephony and wireless broadband.

The contract was signed on Friday evening at Go Mobile's Marsa head office by Maltacom Group CEO David Kay and Nortel Networks sales director for North Africa and Malta, Stephane Jordan.

"Nortel is a recognised leader in delivering communications capabilities that enhance the human experience, ignite and power global commerce, and secure and protect the world's most critical information. We do business in more than 150 countries," Mr Jordan said.

This is not the first time Go Mobile has dealt with Nortel. In March 2000, Go Mobile signed a contract with Nortel Networks to build its current GSM 1800 and GPRS networks, and in 2005 it upgraded this network to EDGE technology.

3G, short for third-generation mobile technology, provides customers with the facility to make video calls apart from the ability to download large volumes of data, such as video clips or e-mail files over their mobile handsets or laptops.

Under the contract, Go Mobile will not only purchase the equipment and have it installed, but its personnel will be trained in the service provision and maintenance.

With 3G, Go Mobile would be able to offer the latest services such as video calling, high speed downloads of video and music content, fast Internet access and broadband speed connectivity.

"Since December 2005, Go Mobile customers have already been benefiting from nation-wide high-speed data access thanks to EDGE - effectively being the first network to offer such a service," Mr Kay said.

"3G will take us to another dimension. While EDGE technology enabled the launch of innovative value-added products such as 'TV on your mobile', with which customers can watch television and videos on their mobile handsets, 3G technology will be another opportunity for Go Mobile to continue offering better value wireless solutions and services for voice and data designed to meet the business and residential needs of Maltese consumers."