Digicel selects ECI Telecom's MSTP for WiMAX Network

JULY 9, 2007 -- Digicel, a fast-growing telecommunications operator in the Caribbean, has chosen ECI Telecom Ltd.'s (search for ECI Telecom) optical and Ethernet equipment to expand its broadband services enabled by WiMAX technology. Digicel says it is the first GSM mobile provider in the Caribbean to offer broadband wireless services via WiMAX to business and residential subscribers.

ECI says the win demonstrates its growing momentum in the converged optical and Ethernet market. Digicel deployed ECI's XDM (search for XDM) Multi-Service Transport Platform (MSTP). Digicel's next-generation network is designed to deliver fixed and mobile voice and data communications services to corporate customers, including VoIP. In the Caribbean--and, more specifically, in Jamaica--previous broadband offerings relied on fixed lines limiting services offered to subscribers. Digicel says it purchased new XDM nodes to increase bandwidth to support the growing broadband wireless backhaul traffic island-wide into Kingston.

Digicel says it selected the XDM because of its efficient multi-degree flexibility, which enables several network layers on one platform, including WDM, Ethernet, and SONET. In addition, the XDM's All-Range WDM optics support a range of distances from metro access to regional and long haul, providing Digicel with easy and cost-effective options for network expansion in new regions to support new subscribers and services, while maintaining reliability, say ECI representatives.

"As the largest GSM service provider in the Caribbean region, we are constantly looking for innovative ways to provide our customers with new and advanced services as part of our growing portfolio of innovative products," explains Richard Brown, head of Network Development and Rollout at Digicel Jamaica. "Out of all the companies we evaluated, ECI had the most robust and innovative solution that met our needs for deploying the backhaul required islandwide for the new WiMAX network. Moreover, we have previously worked with ECI and were pleased with our past experiences with them," says Brown.

"We are excited to support Digicel in the growth of their WiMAX network," adds Emanuel Nachum, ECI Telecom's vice president, Americas Marketing. "This contract truly demonstrates the benefits of our converged optical, Ethernet, and SONET solution to maximize service potential and manage new expansions for a growing network like Digicel's," he says. "Digicel recognized the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of our offerings to meet their various demands for new services in any network environment."

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