Chile
Nexus Telocation Systems Ltd. formed a joint-venture company in Chile to deploy communication and location services. The new company, Ubinet Telecom S.A., will offer two-way messaging, car and personal location services and home security applications. “The quality of the shareholders, the technology of Nexus and the proven international experience will turn Ubinet into a leading player on the local market in the different applications that will be offered,” commented Ariel Poppel, chief operating officer of Nexus.
Nortel Networks joined the GSM Association as an associate member during the group’s Plenary meeting in Santiago, Chile. As an associate member, Nortel said it will gain the opportunity to work even closer with second- and third-generation wireless network operators in association working groups, task force committees and other forums. Nortel also said it intends to participate in the Global Roaming Forum, an industry initiative that is developing seamless interstandard roaming between Global System for Mobile communications network operators and other wireless standards.
Russia
Leap Wireless International Inc. said it resolved its differences with Metrosvyaz Ltd., an operating company deploying Code Division Multiple Access systems in Russia in which Leap indirectly holds a 35-percent interest. As part of the settlement, Metrosvyaz has agreed to withdraw its action against Leap and its officers in federal court, Leap has dismissed its demand for arbitration and both companies have agreed to general releases.
Latin America
El Paso Energy Communications Co., a subsidiary of El Paso Energy Corp., made a $50 million investment in return for a minority interest in VeloCom Inc., an international broadband communications company. VeloCom said it would use the investment and strategic partnership with El Paso Energy to enhance the ability of its subsidiaries in Argentina and Brazil to deploy networks with full broadband capability.
