Asia Pacific Cable Network, a submarine telecommunications cable network, began its link up to nine Asian countries. The project, valued at $580 million, is a joint investment of 51 telecommunications entities worldwide. Companies that initiated the venture include Cellular Communication Network of Malaysia, Communication Authority of Thailand, Hongkong Telecom, PT Indosat of Indonesia, and the International Telecommunication Development Corp. of Taiwan.
Coherent Communications Systems Corp. entered a joint venture technology transfer with Chinese manufacturer Eastern Communications Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Hangzhou Communications Company Ltd. According to the agreement, Eastern Communications will be licensed to manufacture Coherent’s EC-6000 series 2 digital echo cancellers in China. The cancellers provide echo control for both wireline telephony and wireless digital cellular systems.
Paging Network Inc. will become an operational partner in a Brazilian joint venture named Paging Network do Brasil S.A. The company expects to begin operations during the first quarter in Sao Paulo.
American Phoenix Group Inc. formed a corporation in Argentina called TalNet S.A., in a joint venture with Meteophysics Corp. of Alamo, Calif. American Phoenix, which said it is changing its name to TAL Wireless Networks, and Meteophysics each own a 50 percent interest in the new company. TalNet provides wireless wide area network services in Argentina, including connections to the Internet.
Celcore Inc. was awarded a contract to expand Total Access Communication’s cellular network in Thailand. According to the contract, Celcore will supply its GlobalSwitch mobile switching centers, GlobalCell Advanced Mobile Phone Service base stations, GlobalHub Interim Standard-41 application processors and network management system.
Omnipoint Communications Inc. and Swiss Telecom have reached an agreement to allow portable phone users to send and receive calls between the United States and Europe. The service is based on the Global System for Mobile communications standard. Omnipoint’s personal communications services subscribers can roam to Switzerland by inserting a Subscriber Identity Module card into GSM handsets designed for use in Europe. Omnipoint said handsets capable of international roaming will be available soon.
BellSouth Corp. confirmed a public tender offer to purchase 54 percent to 64 percent of Peruvian communications company Tele 2000 at $1.50 per share. BellSouth said the offer amounts to $100 million. BellSouth also has agreed to take over 38 percent of Tele 2000 from two of its main shareholders. The company’s goal is to control 90 percent of the Tele 2000. Tele 2000 is licensed to provide cellular service in Lima and portions of western Peru.
