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Article:
SUNDAY, Nortel (Northern Telecom) Sign Memorandum of Understanding for $US 64 Million GSM Network Expansion Program HONG KONG, July 30 /PRNewswire/ - SUNDAY, Hong Kong's new generation GSM operator, today announced a two-year, $US 64 million expansion program to strengthen and expand its network. SUNDAY has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Nortel (Northern Telecom) (NYSE: NT/TSE: NTL), its strategic supplier since 1996, for design, provisioning and installation of the network expansion. The MOU covers the addition of a Nortel DMS-MSC digital switching system, base stations and new Intelligent Network (IN) features. The additional switching system will increase SUNDAY's capacity to meet the demands of up to 420,000 subscribers. In the first six months of the expansion program - when the number of cell sites reaches 700 - SUNDAY's indoor coverage will be greatly enhanced to cover even more major shopping malls and restaurants around Hong Kong. ``The expansion program is of dual significance to SUNDAY. Not only is it a testimony of our confidence in the telecommunications industry and our ongoing commitment to providing top quality and comprehensive services to our customers, it is also bringing us forward to realizing our goal of becoming one of the top three mobile phone network operators in Hong Kong,'' said Craig Ehrlich, managing director of SUNDAY. ``At the same time, we are very pleased to be working with Nortel, our supplier since launch, again on this exciting project. I am sure Nortel will demonstrate their usual high standard of expertise and professionalism, helping SUNDAY make the expanded network the most advanced and comprehensive in Hong Kong,'' Ehrlich added. ``Through strong branding and clear business vision, SUNDAY has established itself as a recognized industry player in the Hong Kong mobile phone market. We are delighted to be able to help SUNDAY maintain its network expansion momentum and achieve its market vision,'' said Ross Lau, group vice-president, Wireless Networks (Asia), Nortel. With over 540 cell sites, SUNDAY operates the largest network of all the new generation GSM operators in Hong Kong, SUNDAY has signed 47 roaming agreements, and is the first and only new generation GSM operator to offer Automatic Roaming Services in China. Nortel had 1997 revenues of $US 15.5 billion and has approximately 73,000 employees worldwide. SOURCE: Northern Telecom Limited
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