ASTCA is using Nortel's 3G CDMA 1xEV-DO Rev A solution to provide customers with a wireline-quality Internet experience from laptops or any PDA device, anywhere on the island. The network, which spans Tutu'ila, Aunu'u and the three Manu'a islands, allows mobile users to access real-time applications and content at affordable rates because of the highly efficient network performance and low total cost of ownership of Nortel's solution. As a result, ASTCA can support the explosion in user demand for new multimedia services being driven by Hyperconnectivity - a global trend where anything that can be connected, will be connected. Now, users in all corners of the American Samoa islands have access to ultra-fast mobile broadband at work, home or on the move.

"The real advantage of deploying Nortel's CDMA 1xEV-DO solution was that it was simple, requiring a minimal addition to our existing network," Alex Sene, deputy director, ASTCA Engineering. "We were quickly able to provide customers with ultra-fast 3G wireless broadband across the islands. Whether they're hiking in a remote area or working from their home or office, our customers have high-speed access that Nortel's EV-DO solution can provide. The solution allows us to accommodate increased subscriber and traffic growth on our network and most importantly, it allows us to effectively meet our customer demands for high-speed data rates in mobile, portable and fixed environments."

"From basic communications to streaming video entertainment, Nortel's 1xEV-DO solution enables a wireless lifestyle that allows users the freedom and flexibility to have their world at their fingertips," said Danny Locklear, vice president, Carrier Networks Marketing, Nortel. "With this solution, ASTCA can offer bandwidth-hungry applications like music downloads or video streaming at lower costs while providing users with the same experience as subscribers enjoy today in some of the most advanced markets in the world. With Nortel's 1xEV-DO solution, customers can use high-speed data services in the same way they use mobile voice services today. Nortel's 1xEV-DO solution takes the desktop Internet experience and extends it to all wireless devices - which is extremely important across the rugged terrain and remote location of the American Samoa islands."

The solution includes Nortel's industry leading Radio Network Controller and Base Stations that are designed and built with unique innovations in power amplifiers and transceivers. This technology provides significant reductions in power consumption while reducing carbon emissions, creating a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly network. In addition to the 1xEV-DO Rev A capabilities, ASTCA's existing network was also expanded with features that increase network bandwidth and improve network efficiency for lower operational costs.

As a driving force behind CDMA to LTE evolution, Nortel is well positioned to help CDMA operators easily evolve to 4G. As a leader in wireless solutions, Nortel is driving standards and delivering innovative solutions to service providers to ensure a standards-based and cost-effective path to 4G while growing the existing networks with maximum return on investments.

Keywords: broadband wireless, internet access, alex sene, quality internet experience, high speed data, samoa islands, telecommunications authority, ubiquitous coverage, high speed access, american samoa, efficient network, pda device, nyse, traffic growth, global trend, network expansion, 3G