Europe's first 3G network - BT appoint NEC and Crown Castle UK Limited for radio network rollout

Crown Castle UK Limited, a subsidiary of Crown Castle International Corp. (NASDAQ:TWRS) has been awarded the contract for the network rollout of Europe's first planned 3G network on the Isle of Man. The network is being built by NEC and Siemens for Manx Telecom, a wholly owned subsidiary of BT.

Crown Castle's role is to provide turnkey project management, installation and commissioning of the 3G radio access network including site planning, design and build.

NEC will provide 3G infrastructure equipment, network planning and optimisation, project delivery, operation and maintenance support.NEC have been carrying out extensive trials of this technology with both BT and Crown Castle since 1998.

Jonathan Harvey, NEC Projects Director, said: " We are proud to be working with BT on the roll out of the UMTS network on the Isle of Man and aim to ensure that our technology enables BT to be prepared for the forthcoming demand in high speed wireless data and multimedia services. It is NEC's goal to ensure that the solutions we provide meet the rapidly changing market that BT is serving."

Bob Giles, President & Chief Operating Officer, Crown Castle said: "We are delighted once again to be first in a new wireless technology. By working with world-class strategic partners such as BT, NEC and Siemens, we are realising the 3G vision and leading the way in the development of Mobile Internet. With our experience of planning, site acquisition, build and operation of wireless networks, we are advantageously placed to offer operators speed to market and cost effectiveness in 3G network rollout."

Extensive network planning will be required to ensure adequate coverage and capacity to accommodate the multi-media application requirements of 3G. Both NEC and Crown Castle bring a wealth of experience to the rollout of this network.