Under the terms of the agreement, Nortel Networks expects to build a 10 gigabits-per-second, dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) link between Brisbane and Perth, completing national rollout of Optus' DWDM optical network. Nortel Networks will extend Optus' DWDM access into Australia's metropolitan areas, positioning the carrier to provide wholesale and business customers with new, revenue-generating services such as high-speed leased lines, managed wavelengths, Gigabit Ethernet and optical storage area networking.

Optus plans to deploy Nortel Networks OPTera Connect HDX and OPTera Connect DX band width managers to cost-effectively interconnect its long-haul and metropolitan transmission networks.

In addition, Nortel Networks plans to upgrade the existing Optus DMS voice switches to enable them for packet voice. Nortel Networks expects to deploy a next-generation, packet-based voice solution for Optus, including Nortel Networks Succession soft switches. By packetizing its voice network, Optus would be positioned to deliver all of its current, high-quality telephony services while simplifying its network and driving cost reductions.

"This agreement positions Optus to deploy the state-of-the-art capabilities, and we need to continually improve services and technology for our customers," said Dr Stephen Rotheram, managing director of networks for Optus.

"Nortel Networks is focusing on its fundamental strength - the ability to build highly reliable networks for the cost-effective delivery of new services," said Steve Wood, president of Nortel Networks Australia and New Zealand.

"With our broad networking portfolio and detailed understanding of how to build large, converged networks, we are in a unique position to deliver this kind of network transformation," Wood said.

Under the agreement, the network will include Nortel Networks OPTera* Long-Haul 1600 Optical Line System and OPTera Connect DX and OPTera Connect HDX, connecting Australian cities over Optus' long-haul infrastructure, delivering end-to-end service connectivity, provisioning and wavelength management. Furthermore, Optus will use Nortel Networks DWDM optics technology between line and terminal systems, which will provide further capital and operational benefits.

Extending the optical network into and around Australian metropolitan areas will be OPTera Metro solutions, including OPTera Metro 5200 and OPTera Metro 4000 series multiservice platforms. This will provide Optus customers with direct access to affordable broadband optical services such as high-speed Internet access and streaming video.

Nortel Networks Succession packet voice portfolio enables cost-effective delivery of next-generation voice services.

Nortel Networks Succession Communication Server 2000 soft switch and Passport Packet Voice Gateway are expected to be key products for Optus. Succession soft switch offers a rich variety of highly scalable call processing features and network services for carriers, facilitating easy addition of new subscribers and new services as demand increases. Succession would also allow Optus to efficiently migrate its voice network while protecting previous investments and retaining mission-critical reliability.

Under the agreement, Nortel Networks specialists will also work closely with Optus to assist in bringing new services to market.

(China Daily April 18, 2002)