Huawei to build 3G WCDMA net for Econet NZ

By Stuart Corner
Monday, 05 December 2005 07:14

Networking

Chinese telecoms manufacturer, Huawei Technologies is to deploy a 3G WCDMA network for Econet Wireless New Zealand Limited. It is Huawei's first in Australasia.

Huawei, as the sole vendor, will start the first deployment in Auckland and says it plans to complete the nationwide networks within three years.

However according to a report in New Zealand's National Business Review, expansion into other areas is "subject to the successful conclusion of commercial negotiations with existing carriers."

According to NBR, this could involve agreements on a number of issues, including national roaming and cell site co-location, fixed line interconnection and number portability.

Huawei will provide an end-to-end WCDMA network including wireless base station systems, core networks and IN systems to support 3G services such as videophones, high-speed Internet access, email, MMS, VMS, and other multimedia services.

EWNZ is a subsidiary of EWG, a global niche wireless player that operates networks in Botswana, Kenya, Nigeria and Lesotho. IT announced in early November plans to seek a listing on the London Stock Exchange through an initial public offering that the company estimates will raise between $US400 million and $5US500 million.