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August 20, 2002
SMARTCOM PCS Selects Nortel Networks for 3G Wireless Network Expansion in Chile
SANTIAGO, Chile - SMARTCOM PCS has selected Nortel Networks* [NYSE/TSX: NT] to expand its CDMA wireless network in Chile, including deployment of third-generation (3G) CDMA2000 1X technology in Santiago.
Under a supply agreement estimated at approximately US$22 million, Nortel Networks is installing radio base station equipment and related infrastructure for expansion of a CDMA2000 1X wireless data network in Santiago. Nortel Networks deployed the existing SMARTCOM PCS Santiago network. SMARTCOM PCS recently launched its ‘always on’ high-speed wireless Internet service in Santiago. The network expansion will position SMARTCOM PCS to increase voice coverage, as well as to offer 3G services in additional cities. “Our objective is to firmly establish the company as a mobile high-speed data leader in the Chilean market,” said Jaime Gros, general manager, SMARTCOM PCS. “We believe that 3G is the future. When thinking of mobile high-speed data in Chile, SMARTCOM will be top of mind for consumers.” Nortel Networks has been providing CDMA wireless networking equipment to SMARTCOM PCS for the last three years. In November 2001, SMARTCOM PCS and Nortel Networks completed Latin America’s first commercial call using CDMA2000 1X equipment. The call carried both voice and data over the same channel, another regional first. “SMARTCOM PCS is growing rapidly and continues to invest in new technologies, reinforcing its position as one of the most innovative operators in the region,” said Chris Zanyk, general manager, Nortel Networks Chile. “Nortel Networks continues to provide the latest wireless technology, positioning SMARTCOM PCS to drive lower operating costs and roll out new, revenue-generating wireless data network services.” Nortel Networks is deploying CDMA2000 1X for wireless service providers around the world, including customers in North America, the Middle East, Africa and Central and South America. A leader in CDMA since 1995, Nortel Networks has designed, installed and launched CDMA networks across five continents with more than 64 operators in 15 countries. SMARTCOM PCS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Endesa España, which is the main investor in Auna, the second largest telecommunications operator in Spain, present in all the main business lines of the sector. Its holdings in mobile telephony, fixed telephony, cable operators and terrestrial digital TV are grouped under Endesa Telecomunicaciones, S.A., with more than four million customers in Spain and forecasting a 15 percent market share. Endesa is one of the largest electricity companies in the world. Its activities include generating, transporting, distributing, commercializing and trading electricity in 12 countries on three continents, and the company has more than 22 million customers. Visit us at www.smartcom.cl.** Nortel Networks is an industry leader and innovator focused on transforming how the world communicates and exchanges information. The company is supplying its service provider and enterprise customers with communications technology and infrastructure to enable value-added IP data, voice and multimedia services spanning Metro and Enterprise Networks, Wireless Networks and Optical Networks. As a global company, Nortel Networks does business in more than 150 countries. More information about Nortel Networks can be found on the Web at www.nortelnetworks.com. Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the severity and duration of the industry adjustment; the sufficiency of our restructuring activities, including the potential for higher actual costs to be incurred in connection with restructuring actions compared to the estimated costs of such actions; fluctuations in operating results and general industry, economic and market conditions and growth rates; the ability to recruit and retain qualified employees; fluctuations in cash flow, the level of outstanding debt and debt ratings; the ability to meet financial covenants contained in our credit agreements; the ability to make acquisitions and/or integrate the operations and technologies of acquired businesses in an effective manner; the impact of rapid technological and market change; the impact of price and product competition; international growth and global economic conditions, particularly in emerging markets and including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of rationalization in the telecommunications industry; the dependence on new product development; the uncertainties of the Internet; the impact of the credit risks of our customers and the impact of increased provision of customer financing and commitments; stock market volatility; the entrance into an increased number of supply, turnkey, and outsourcing contracts which contain delivery, installation, and performance provisions, which, if not met, could result in the payment of substantial penalties or liquidated damages; the ability to obtain timely, adequate and reasonably priced component parts from suppliers and internal manufacturing capacity; the future success of our strategic alliances; and the adverse resolution of litigation. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, see the reports filed by Nortel Networks with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, Nortel Networks disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. *Nortel Networks, the Nortel Networks logo and the Globemark are trademarks of Nortel Networks. **This is a 3rd party link as described in our Web linking practices. Contact for Press and Analysts:Ferngene Kook
Nortel Networks
954-858-7101
fkook@nortel.com
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