Nokia to supply Libya with cellphone network

HELSINKI – Nokia, the world’s largest handset maker, said yesterday it had received a 98-milllion-euro (N$784 million) order from Libya’s General Post and Telecommunications Company for a mobile phone network.

According to the agreement, Nokia will deliver second-generation GSM and next-generation, or 3G, WCDMA equipment for a nation-wide mobile phone service covering Tripoli and the western parts of the country, the Finnish firm said. The other part of the network will be delivered by France’s Alcatel in a separately announced contract, Nokia added.While second-generation technology provides picture messaging, e-mail and basic web surfing, 3G networks offer speedy Internet access allowing for live audio and video broadcasts and numerous fast entertainment services.The deal was made possible after Libya earlier this year ended its international isolation after agreeing to compensate relatives of the victims in the 1988 bombing of a US airliner over Lockerbie, Scotland.-Nampa-AFPThe other part of the network will be delivered by France’s Alcatel in a separately announced contract, Nokia added.While second-generation technology provides picture messaging, e-mail and basic web surfing, 3G networks offer speedy Internet access allowing for live audio and video broadcasts and numerous fast entertainment services.The deal was made possible after Libya earlier this year ended its international isolation after agreeing to compensate relatives of the victims in the 1988 bombing of a US airliner over Lockerbie, Scotland.-Nampa-AFP