Nokia has signed an agreement with Chilean operator Manquehue NET to deliver a commercial ADSL system in Latin America, bringing fast Internet access to subscribers.
This contract is part of Manquehue NET's strategy to deploy advanced broadband services to compliment their existing infrastructure and service portfolio.
Implementation of the ADSL lines will be initially deployed in Santiago. Manquehue NET expect to expand their ADSL business during the second half of 2000 and rapidly increase this business during 2001.
In addition, Nokia will provide a full range of Professional Services including Project Management and Implementation. Deliveries have already begun and the commercial service was launched in mid July.
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) technology provides homes and businesses with very high-speed digital services via their existing copper phone lines. Besides offering the user a high-speed modem connection, it allows the same line to be utilized for simultaneousFast Internet access as well as telephone services.
“With this contract we seek to ultimately bring benefits to the consumer. ADSL lines allow customers the convenience of receiving more data to be delivered in less time. Manquehue NET is committed to providing to their customers with communications through the latest technology and will continue to broaden its services,” said Cristobal Philippi, CEO of Manquehue NET.
“Nokia is pleased to be working with Chile's Manquehue NET, one of the first Latin American operator to offer ADSL services,” said Nils Kampe, Vice President and General Manager, Customer Operations, Nokia Networks Latin America. "With Manquehue NET as a new customer, Nokia is strengthening its position in the Latin American market and is paving the way for the latest technologies in the region, as well as further underlining its position as a leader in DSL technology."
Manquehue NET was founded in 1980 and is currently positioned as the fifth largest Telephone Company in Chile. The company provides fixed telephony, public telephony, long distance, Internet and digital telephony RSDI. Manquehue NET operates exclusively in Santiago and has currently over 70,000 lines installed.
Nokia is paving the way to the mobile information society with its innovative products and solutions. The company is the leading mobile phone supplier and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks related services as well as multimedia terminals. In 1999, Nokia's net sales totalled EUR 19.8 billion (USD 19.9 billion). Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is listed on the New York (NOK), Helsinki, Stockholm, London, Frankfurt and Paris stock exchanges and employs more than 60,000 people.
Further information:
Communications Department
Nokia Networks
Tel. (Int.) + 358 9 5113 8195
Fax (Int.)+ 358 9 5113 8199
Email nokia.networks@nokia.com
www.nokia.com