Irish GSM Operator Weaves Wireless Web

Esat Digifone, Ireland's second-largest GSM operator, has signed a supply agreement with Nortel Networks that will enable Esat Digifone to launch high-speed wireless Internet services, based on Nortel's GPRS platform, later this year. The supply agreement will also help to expand the capacity, coverage and services of Esat Digifone's nationwide GSM network.

Under the agreement, valued at an estimated $45 million, Nortel Networks will supply and install new GSM equipment on the Esat Digifone network throughout Ireland, in addition to GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) core network infrastructure and software for wireless Internet services.

"With this new GPRS deployment, Esat Digifone will be able to provide the power and speed to make our wireless Internet services the best in Ireland," said chief executive officer Barry Maloney.

GPRS is a communications platform that overlays a GSM wireless network to give subscribers high-speed wireless data access. Based on packet technology, it allows "always on" connections to mobile phones, handheld computers and other mobile devices.

"We are driving the evolution of a profitable new high-performance Internet," said Anil Khatod, president of Nortel's global internet solutions department. "As the primary wireless Internet infrastructure supplier for Esat Digifone, we are making it possible for them to deliver broadband wireless services."