Digicel Selects ECI Telecom's Optical and Ethernet Solution for WiMAX Network

ECI Telecom Ltd. (NASDAQ: ECIL) announced that Digicel has chosen ECI's optical and Ethernet solution to expand its broadband services enabled by WiMAX technology. Digicel is the first GSM mobile provider in the Caribbean to offer broadband wireless services via WiMAX to business and residential subscribers.

This win demonstrates ECI's growing momentum in the converged optical and Ethernet market. Digicel deployed ECI's XDM® Multi-Service Transport Platform (MSTP). Digicel's next generation network will offer cost-effective fixed and mobile voice and data communications solutions to corporate customers, including VoIP. In the Caribbean, and more specifically in Jamaica, previous broadband offerings relied on fixed lines limiting services offered to subscribers. Most recently, Digicel purchased new XDM nodes to increase bandwidth to support the growing broadband wireless backhaul traffic islandwide into Kingston.

Digicel selected the XDM because of its efficient multi-degree flexibility that enables several network layers on one platform including WDM, Ethernet and SONET. In addition, the XDM's All-Range(TM) WDM optics support a full range of distances from metro access to regional and long haul, providing Digicel with easy and cost effective options for network expansion in new regions to support new subscribers and services, while maintaining reliability.

"As the largest GSM service provider in the Caribbean region, we are constantly looking for innovative ways to provide our customers with new and advanced services as part of our growing portfolio of innovative products," said Richard Brown, Head of Network Development and Rollout of Digicel Jamaica. "Out of all the companies we evaluated, ECI had the most robust and innovative solution that met our needs for deploying the backhaul required islandwide for the new WiMAX network. Moreover, we have previously worked with ECI and were pleased with our past experiences with them."

"We are excited to support Digicel in the growth of their WiMax network. This contract truly demonstrates the benefits of our converged optical, Ethernet and SONET solution to maximize service potential and manage new expansions for a growing network like Digicel's," said Emanuel Nachum, ECI Telecom's Vice President, Americas Marketing. "Digicel recognized the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of our offerings to meet their various demands for new services in any network environment."