Cable and Wireless International and Nokia Siemens have closed a US$40 million deal to deliver wireless network services to the Caribbean region.

The two companies have joined forces to design a core network solution that will provide full wireless services that is said to be "resilient under times of natural disasters such as hurricanes" across all 14 Caribbean markets served by C&W.

The build-out will range across voice under the second generation solution, and data which is accomodated by 3G technology which includes both voice and data, Nokia spokeswoman Chantal Boekman told the Financial Gleaner.

The agreement includes the provision of four core network solutions by Nokia Siemens. These includes a network media gateways (MGW), mobile softswitches (MSS), intelligent packet core and operation support system (OSS).

These systems will provide a single platform that will support second and third generation wireless networks.

"Cable and Wireless and their customers will benefit from these solutions that enable a steady evolution to future technologies", said Sue Spradley, head of North American Nokia Siemens Networks.

This core network being delivered by Nokia Siemens is said to be compliant with both the American and European telecommunication standards requirements.

The announcement follows the launch of a US$2.5 million Caribbean Network Operations facility in September, in keeping with the company's strategy to move into next generation network technology promised to its customers said Harris Jones, Cable and Wireless International's chief executive officer.

In June 2006, C&W Inter-national had also announced the deployment of a GSM network in the British Virgin Islands, this too in collaboration with Nokia Siemens Networks, then Nokia.

Cable and Wireless International operates in 33 countries around the world, including 14 islands in the Caribbean, with the Caribbean businesses making a significant contribution to its financial results.

For the financial year ending March 2006, the company revenues increased by six per cent year on year to £1.2 billion, as strong performance in the growth areas of mobile and broadband more than offset declines in fixed line revenues.

Operating profit grew three per cent to £333 million, resulting in operating cash flow of £245 million.

sabrina.gordon@gleanerjm.com