BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

06.30.05

Siemens Wins First WiMax Deal

MUNICH -- Siemens Communications and government-owned telecommunications operator BEST have signed a memorandum of understanding for the delivery of the WiMAX solution. The broadband radio network is part of a new initiative in Belarus designed to provide large parts of the population with internet access. In addition, the Belarussian government wants to use the WiMAX network for an innovative telemetering solution with which all household consumption data for electricity, gas and water will be transmitted over the air to a central billing system. The network and the remote wireless meter reading system are scheduled to go live at the end of 2005.

In addition to the network infrastructure on the basis of its SkyMAX products, Siemens will therefore deliver special equipment capable of recording and transmitting the necessary measurement data. "We believe that telemetering applications are a very interesting new business opportunity for operators," comments Michael Demtchenko, general director at BEST, "and we are proud that we have been able to establish ourselves as one of the global pioneers in this field."

"Siemens has already executed several successful telecommunication projects in Belarus. We are very pleased that we have now been permitted to contribute to this important new national program with innovative applications on the basis of SkyMAX - Siemens's own WiMAX solution" - adds Christoph Caselitz, President of Mobile Networks at Siemens Communications.

Source:

http://www.unstrung.com/document.asp?doc_id=76590&WT.svl=wire1_1