Announced today at CommunicAsia '99, the Nortel Networks e-cell is a compact base station solution that allows GSM operators to add capacity quickly and cost-effectively while preparing for deployment of Wireless Internet and other high-speed data and multimedia services.

"The small size and simplified installation of Nortel Networks' e-cell can help GSM operators address their rapidly expanding capacity requirements at greatly reduced cost over conventional base station solutions," said John O'Connell, general manager, Wireless Solutions, Nortel Networks.

"And the Nortel Networks e-cell is an EDGE-ready solution - the first available anywhere," O'Connell said. "That means operators can not only add capacity, but also get a head start on the competition in development and delivery of Wireless Internet services for new revenue generation."

Expected to be available next year, EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution) is an air interface standard for high-speed wireless data. Itself an evolution from GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), EDGE will allow up to three times higher throughput than GSM using the same bandwidth. This will allow operators to offer data services at speeds up to 384 kilobits per second.

The Nortel Networks e-cell base station can be installed virtually anywhere - even on a wall or a pole - dramatically reducing site acquisition and maintenance costs. All elements necessary for installation and commissioning are integrated within the Nortel Networks e-cell, offering additional cost benefits by reducing time to place in service to as little as 15 minutes.

Designed to boost network capacity on demand in targeted hot spots, the Nortel Networks e-cell base station uses traffic management features like mobile speed estimation, multilayer, and load and priority management to adapt itself to the microcellular topology, ensuring maximum capacity in any environment.

Nortel Networks delivers value to customers around the world through Unified Networks* solutions, spanning mission-critical telephony and IP-optimized networks. Customers include public and private enterprises and institutions; Internet service providers; local, long-distance, cellular and PCS communications companies, cable television carriers, and utilities.

Nortel Networks' common shares are listed on the New York, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and London stock exchanges. Nortel Networks had 1998 revenues of US$17.6 billion and has approximately 75,000 employees worldwide.