COSTA MESA, Calif., July 5, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- On June 21st, the CDMA Development Group (CDG) (www.cdg.org) congratulated Peruvian rural operator Valtron on becoming the first commercial CDMA450(tm) network operator in Latin America. Operating under the name, Televias de Huarochiri, Valtron will supply fixed and mobile wireless services to 127 pueblos (towns) in the Andean mountain province of Huarochiri.
Valtron was established with a grant awarded by the Peruvian regulator OSIPTEL's universal services fund -- FITEL. This network is a symbol of Peru's commitment to bridging the digital divide and will assist Peru in addressing its national objectives of increasing telephony, Internet penetration, enterprise productivity, and improving vital services such as public safety, national security, emergency and disaster relief, telemedicine, and distance learning. It will also enable a large variety of other commercial applications such as telemetry, asset management, agriculture, tourism, forestry, transportation and utility services. The network serves as a showcase of how regulatory leadership and public funds can achieve the benefits of rural connectivity.
"The CDG applauds Valtron's deployment of one of the world's most advanced telecommunications networks to deliver affordable voice and Internet connectivity to Peru's rural communities," said Perry LaForge, executive director of the CDG. "The deployment demonstrates CDMA450's power and flexibility in addressing the universal access needs of sparsely populated areas."
To deploy the network, Valtron worked with technology partner ZTE and local contractor B&Q. The network will operate CDMA2000(r) technology in the 450 and 800 MHz bands, and will support public and private sectors as well as central and local governments. Initial services will include Internet, public telephony, mobile telephony, and residential fixed telephony.
Televias de Huarochiri is projected to be a 10-year project, with a goal of reaching 38,000 direct subscribers and 59,000 indirect subscribers by the end of that period. Televias de Huarochiri's initial network will cover seven of its 32 districts and support 5,000 lines. Ultimately, Valtron's capacity will reach 400,000 lines and cover 32 districts. CDMA450 enables Valtron to use fewer base stations to maximize coverage and capacity.
Ruddy Valdivia, President of Valtron, commented, "We chose CDMA450 not only for its wide coverage, but because it allows for better penetration in geographically difficult areas. Huarochiri is a province in the middle of the Andean region and its population is spread in the mountains, valleys and deep in the ravines. CDMA450 helps us to guarantee them good voice and data services."
CDMA450 is an ideal technology to bridge Peru's digital divide. According to Edwin San Roman, president of OSIPTEL, "Televias de Huarochiri is the first of many important steps to provide universal broadband wireless services to remote sections of the Andes. The project is a true pioneering effort. This universal access service has garnered the active support of the national government to adopt legislation that makes room for a small rural operator to thrive."
More information on CDMA450 is available at the www.cdg.org.
About Valtron's Project
Valtron's project exists through a grant from the Peruvian regulator OSIPTEL (Organismo Supervisor de Inversion Privada en Telecomunicaciones) through its universal services fund called FITEL (Fondo de Inversion en Telecomunicaciones). Last year, the Ministry of Communications passed Resolution N 175-2005 MTC -- 03, granting Valtron the ability to operate and offer telephony for up to 38,000 inhabitants of Huarochiri and indirectly cover an additional 59,000 inhabitants by its conclusion. The FITEL grant specifically aims to cover fixed lines for 949 subscribers, 148 fixed public phones, 760 mobile phones, and 39 public kiosks. More information from the regulator can be found at: http://www.fitel.gob.pe/contenido.php?ID=48&tipo=H&pagina=contenidos/PPT/Valtron/Valtron.html.
About CDG
The CDMA Development Group is a trade association formed to foster the worldwide development, implementation and use of CDMA technologies. The more than 110 member companies of the CDG include many of the world's largest wireless carriers and equipment manufacturers. The primary activities of the CDG include development of CDMA features and services, public relations, education and seminars, regulatory affairs and international support. Currently, there are more than 500 individuals working within various CDG subcommittees on CDMA-related matters. For more information about the CDG, contact the CDG News Bureau at +1-714-540-1030, or visit the CDG Web site at www.cdg.org.
Note to editors
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