Czech Republic
Airspan Networks said it signed a contract with TES Media, a Czech telecommunications operator, to deploy a new fixed wireless network across the Czech Republic. TES Media’s network, set to deliver high-speed data services to business customers, will launch this month. A series of strategically positioned AS4000 base stations in 15 cities, including Prague, will link TES Media customers throughout the country. The operator will use Airspan’s AS8100 system to monitor and manage the network.
Brazil
CellStar Corp. said it completed the divestiture of its 51-percent ownership interest in CellStar do Brasil Ltda. to its joint venture partner, Fontana Business Corp. “The sale of the Brazilian operations will have a positive impact on our results because we will no longer be required to fund operations in Brazil or recognize losses those operations may incur going forward,” said the company.
Finland
EMI Music Publishing and Nokia Corp. have teamed to make EMI’s music catalog downloadable to Nokia phones for users to select custom ring tones. Under the deal, EMI will license the use of the ring tones to Nokia on a nonexclusive basis. The initial service will include well-known songs and television and film themes, with additional titles added over time. The tones will be available via the Internet from Club Nokia.
United Kingdom
Vodafone U.K. and Microsoft Corp. have begun testing new corporate mobile intranet products and services in Europe, hoping for a spring 2001 rollout of these services worldwide. The test involves users sending and receiving Microsoft Outlook e-mail and Exchange-based personal information management data from wireless phones equipped with the Microsoft Mobile Explorer microbrowser.
