Motorola to upgrade Telecel's cellular phone network in Zaire

Business Wire, Sept 12, 1995

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 12, 1995-- Motorola's International Cellular Infrastructure Division (ICID) has been awarded a $3 million contract to expand and upgrade the existing cellular phone network in Zaire.

The system operator Telecel will deploy cell sites utilizing Motorola's Narrowband Advanced Mobile Phone Service (NAMPS) technology. The contract also calls for the first installation of an EMX(R) (Electronic Mobile Exchange) 2500 switch in Africa.

The network enhancements will increase subscriber capacity and will provide the foundation for a future digital cellular network based on the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) standard.

"Telecel is now well positioned for the future because of the analog to digital migration plan it has adopted," said Pertti Johansson, corporate vice president and general manager of Motorola's ICID. "This contract is continuing evidence of the confidence that our long-time customer Telecel has in our ability to provide world class cellular systems and services."

The EMX 2500 switch is based on a digital platform that provides for advanced Intelligent Network (IN) features and switching for Motorola's analog and CDMA digital networks. Hardware for the EMX 2500 switch is supplied by DSC Communications Corporation, and is based on its DEX 600 switch technology. The EMX 2500 software is developed by Motorola and DSC.

Motorola has been supplying Telecel with cellular systems equipment in Zaire since 1991 and currently has contracts to supply cellular infrastructure equipment in 13 African countries.

Telecel operates cellular communication networks including domestic long distance as well as international services in four other African countries - Burundi, Guinea, Madagascar (also a Motorola system) and the Central African Republic.

Motorola is one of the world's leading providers of wireless communications, semiconductors, and advanced electronic systems and services. Motorola's 1994 sales were $22.2 billion.

CONTACT: Motorola CIG, Arlington Heights

Jack Seller, 708/632-7248