Alltel Picks Nortel CDMA2000

DALLAS -- ALLTEL plans to deploy third generation (3G) wireless infrastructure equipment from Nortel Networks to expand ALLTEL's network and increase voice capacity under an amended supply agreement, the companies announced today. Under this agreement, Nortel Networks will provide CDMA2000 1X radio access and switching gear to ALLTEL to integrate newly acquired wireless properties from CenturyTel Inc. ALLTEL announced an agreement in March to purchase the properties, which it said will add more than 700,000 customers and expand its wireless footprint into highly complementary new markets across Arkansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Texas and Wisconsin. "The investment in CDMA technology will allow us to support our growth in the retail business, yet at the same time allow us to continue to support roaming on the existing TDMA network," said Chris Smith, executive vice president of Network Services for ALLTEL. Nortel Networks Corp. Alltel Corp.