Hongkong Telecom selected Tellabs’ Martis DXX managed access and transport network system for use in its digital data network in Hong Kong. The Martis DXX system combines intelligent hardware with centralized management software, enabling rapid deployment and reconfiguration of telecommunications transport and access networks. It acts as a single platform for multiple services in business services, cellular and personal communications services.
Centennial Communications Corp., operating as SMR Direct, acquired Ce Communica del Peru, a specialized mobile radio and paging operator. The company provides service to a population of 8 million people in Lima and Callao, Peru.
France Telecom Mobiles International, a subsidiary of the France Telecom Group, was awarded a national Digital Cellular System-1800 cellular license by the Danish telecom regulator Telestyrelsen. The service will be operated by Mobilix, a wholly owned subsidiary of France Telecom Mobiles. At least 20 percent of the capital of Mobilix will be offered to one or more Danish partners, the company said.
AirTouch Communications Inc. will acquire an interest in a consortium headed by Mannesmann AG involved in wireline telecommunications in Germany. The consortium owns nearly 50 percent of Mannesmann Arcor, Germany’s second largest wireline telecommunications company. Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s railway company, holds the other half of the consortium. AirTouch will acquire a 4.5 percent stake in the consortium with an option to increase its stake to 9 percent by 2000. Financial terms of the arrangement were not disclosed. AirTouch and Mannesmann also own D2, one of Germany’s cellular networks.
The evaluating committee for Greece’s dominant phone company, OTE, selected Telenor of Norway as a strong candidate for a wireless phone partner. The decision now goes to the OTE board of directors for consideration. OTE wants to be the country’s third wireless phone operator. It was awarded spectrum last year, for which it intends to build a network using Digital Cellular System technology at 1800 MHz. Athens-based OTE made a call for foreign partners earlier this year and received more than a dozen responses.
Nexus Telecommunications Systems Ltd. signed a letter of intent to form a strategic alliance with Global Wireless Communications L.P., New York City. The agreement calls for Global Wireless to purchase $4.5 million in warrants exercisable into 3 million common shares of Nexus at $5.35 per share. Through its affiliates, Global Wireless also will initiate commercial ventures to distribute Nexus products and services, and it will invest up to $5 million in such ventures, the company said. The transaction is scheduled to close by May. 15.
