Nortel, Alvarion Ink WiMAX Deal

According to Nortel, the joint mobile WiMAX solution is expected to combine technologies from both Nortel and Alvarion to allow operators globally--along with service providers and others in the wireless market--to deliver high-speed wireless broadband for applications like VoIP, streaming music and high-definition video.

The solution will integrate Alvarion's radio access network technology, used in more than 200 commercial WiMAX deployments, with Nortel's core networking solutions, backhaul solutions and applications like its carrier VoIP offerings. The pair will also integrate Nortel Global Services for WiMAX.

TheWiMAX offering enables operators to offer high-speed wireless Internet spanning large areas, including areas not served or underserved by broadband, according to a Nortel statement. The solution will also offer operators the speed and capacity to meet the increasing demand for mobile broadband.

"Wireless broadband is one of the fastest-growing opportunities in the telecommunications market," Richard Lowe, president of Nortel's carrier networks, said in the statement. "Early movers in this market are looking for a high-quality, turnkey WiMAX solution that delivers vast coverage in a cost-effective way and meets the growing demand for true mobile broadband that can support new services like streaming music and mobile TV."

Lowe added that the inclusion of Nortel services, such as network consulting, design, deployment and management, can help users handle changing coverage and capacity.

Alvarion President and CEO Tzvika Friedman agreed, adding that the joint solution coupling Nortel's core networking technology, applications and services with Alvarion's WiMAX radio access networking tools is a response to the growing demand for WiMAX.

"The platform offers WiMAX solutions for multiple frequency bands, thus leveraging economies of scale from global deployments, expected to result in a lower cost of ownership for the customers," Friedman said in a statement.

The joint agreement also lets Nortel, Toronto, resell Alvarion's WIMAX access products.

The companies are working together to ensure the solutions interoperate, with Tel Aviv-based Alvarion focusing on device-to-network interoperability testing and Nortel concentrating on the end-to-end network integration with the IP core and applications. During the term of the agreement, which was not released, Alvarion will be Nortel's exclusive supplier of WiMAX IEEE 802.16(e) 2X2/2X4 macro base stations and both companies have signed on to designate account leads for their go-to-market strategy.