Alcatel-Lucent and SETAR NV Aruba, have activated the first third-generation UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) and HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) network in the Caribbean.

The launch of this new network will increase the capacity of SETAR’s network and enable it to offer its customers and visitors to Aruba a range of next-generation services, including advanced multimedia, mobile broadband and converged services such as video-on-demand, video call, mobile TV and high-speed mobile Internet access.

The deployment was conducted under a September 2006 agreement to deliver equipment and related services to further expand the coverage of its mobile network to large geographical areas while offering high bit rates, low latency and full mobility.

Alcatel-Lucent has provided SETAR with its radio networking solution including base stations, radio network and base station controllers (RNC/BSC), wireless network management system solutions and engineering tools. Alcatel-Lucent was also responsible for network design and complete network deployment, including network integration and maintenance services.

“Throughout our long-standing partnership with SETAR, one of the most innovative and advanced service providers in the region, we have supported their business in a number of ways, providing switching, Optical, DSL and ATM solutions, as well as a CDMA/EVDO network that enables roaming service with North American operators, in addition to GSM and WiFi networks,” said Olivier Picard, President of Alcatel-Lucent’s activities for Europe and South.

“We are committed to support SETAR on its journey to build nationwide 3G UMTS/HSPA coverage, opening new and exciting opportunities for consumers,” Picard added.

Alcatel-Lucent’s 3G UMTS/HSPA solution provides cost-efficient coverage because of the improved radio wave propagation making it easier to provide low-cost mobile broadband services in rural areas as well as improved indoor coverage in urban areas.

Huawei and Digicel also delivered a 3G network in Caribbean, using CDMA2000 1xEV-DO standard, in March 2007.