Telecom Italia Mobile has become the first European operator to publicly state its commitment to EDGE technology, according to international press reports. The reports said the largest Italian mobile operator will use EDGE in areas where it’s not economically feasible to deploy W-CDMA third-generation technology, such as rural areas.
Several operators in the Americas, including AT&T Wireless Services Inc., Cingular Wireless L.L.C. and Telecom Americas, have committed to EDGE, in addition to several Asian operators.
In other EDGE news, Siemens has announced its second EDGE order in as many weeks, reporting that Telecom Americas has ordered a GSM/EDGE network for the Sao Paulo metropolitan area and several Brazilian states. The order is the third EDGE deal for Siemens.
Siemens is delivering transmit and receive stations, as well as microwave systems for the GSM 1800 MHz network. Earlier this year, Ericsson said it would be the main supplier for Telecom Americas’ Brazilian network.
Siemens announced an EDGE contract in Malaysia last week.
The value of the Siemens contract with Telecom Americas was not disclosed. For the latest wireless equipment contract wins, visit rcrnews.com’s infrastructure awards page.
