SYDNEY (AAP)

The broadband subsidiary of Austar United Communications Ltd has chosen Nortel as the preferred vendor for its proposed WiMAX network in regional Australia.

The two firms are now negotiating the final arrangements of the deal.

Austar's proposed WiMAX network would provide fast broadband to regional Australians using Austar's licensed spectrum and 802.16e technology.

Austar chief executive officer John Porter said Nortel had global experience in developing WiMAX networks.

"They've committed tremendous resources to the research and development of the technology worldwide and as a company they're responsive and flexible in meeting the customer's needs," Mr Porter said.

"We're excited about working with Nortel as we look to provide Australians with not only a real alternative, but one that is the future of broadband in Australia."

Austar said the low-cost network could be rolled out quickly with Nortel's WiMAX technology.

The company said it would offer lower costs per megabit and better performance.

Nortel's WiMAX solutions are already powering Taiwan's Mobile Healthcare Services through an agreement with Chunghwa Telecom.

It is conducting WiMAX trials and completing network deployments in Japan, USA, Canada, Germany, Greece, Russia and Mexico.
21/06/2007 12:13:11 PM