By Ayanna Kirton, Staff reporterGLOBAL MOBILE communications giant Nokia and The Lewis Company (TLG), a provider of telecommunications services, have signed a regional value added reseller agreement (VAR).
The agreement is the first of its kind in the region, making TLG the only value added reseller within the Caribbean and Bermuda able to provide Nokia Global Systems for Mobile Communication (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), and Enhanced Data rated for GSM Evolution. Existing telephone companies and new operators in need of these services will work directly with TLG.
"The industry has tremendous potential and can be used in addition to traditional (income generators)," said TLG's CEO, David Eason.
Mike Jurcy, Nokia's value added channels manager for North America said that his company's decision to work with TLG was based on their (TLG's) successful implementation of the GSM mobile network in the island of Bermuda in November 2002, as well as their ability to work and grow with Nokia as they expand into the region's markets.
"We looked at the region as a whole and we have a strong desire to be around for the long term. The best way to do that is with a local business partner, one that has a stake in the region and will make sure that customers get he solutions they require," Jurcy said.
In Bermuda, TLG enabled the island's wireless service provider, Mobility, to launch its first GSM network. TLG engineered and installed the network, which now consists of 13 cell sites that deliver both voice and GPRS (General Packet Radio Service). TLG also provided systems integration for Mobility's value-added services. SMS and high-speed data services via GPRS as well as platforms required for billing services packages were also implemented.
The company currently operates out of New Jersey (USA), with offices in Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados, and a strong client base throughout the Caribbean and the USA. TLG's team consists primarily of Jamaicans and other Caribbean nationals who have significant telecom experience.
