Motorola taps Neotel for WiMAX, CDMA networks in Africa

Motorola Inc. will partner with South Africa's Neotel for the RF planning of putting up WiMAX and CDMA wireless networks in the area. This is the first contract between the two companies.

"With its recognized technology leadership, Motorola is ideally placed to bring its vast global experience and competency to effectively support Neotel in achieving its ambitious growth objectives," said Ajay Pandey, Neotel's managing director. "We're proud to be the first alternative infrastructure based network provider in the telecoms sector in South Africa and are committed to offering our subscribers high quality, cost effective services. This agreement is another important step in this direction."

According to Ali Amer, vice president, Motorola networks and enterprise for the Middle East, Africa and Pakistan, "Motorola recognizes the changing structure of the South African telecoms market, having been in this market for several decades. With our knowledge, skills and comprehensive portfolio of services for WiMAX and CDMA, we are confident that we will effectively support Neotel in designing robust networks that will enable the operator to meet its objectives and the needs of the South African public."

Motorola and Neotel plans to tap local black economic empowerment suppliers to conduct site surveys around the country for the service.