PARIS-French cellular operator Cegetel will work with Nortel Networks to develop third-generation services based on the Universal Mobile Telecommunications Services standard, according to the equipment maker. The deal is subject to Cegetel’s success in obtaining a license for UMTS radio spectrum in France.
Nortel Networks will provide Cegetel with pre-commercial platforms for testing and optimizing high-speed wireless multimedia services beginning mid-year 2000, said Nortel.
Cegetel’s cellular rivals in the market, France Telecom and Bouygues Telecom, both have said they also will apply for licenses to offer UMTS services in France, according to a Reuters report. The French government has not yet announced when it expects to offer UMTS licenses.
