Consisting of Nortel’s IMS-ready Communication Server (CS) 2000 VoIP superclass softswitch and the Nortel Media Gateway (MG) 15000, the Nortel solution will enable SMART to migrate its TDM voice trunking to a packet-based infrastructure and prepare its network for IMS services. This will simplify the operator’s GSM network, enhance bandwidth efficiency, and extend geographical reach and lower operational costs.

Nortel also has a longstanding relationship with SMART’s parent company – the country’s dominant carrier, the Philippine Long Distance Telephony Company (PLDT) – and the new SMART contract has been concluded under a new, synergized procurement approach.

"By jointly negotiating supply agreements for both PLDT and SMART, we are streamlining the purchasing process for ourselves as well as our vendors," said Ramoncito S. Fernandez, SMART’s head of administration and materials management division. "This consolidated procurement approach is also enhancing our efficiency and productivity, as well as reducing costs."

"This international gateway solution we are providing to SMART is another significant milestone in our successful and ongoing supply relationship with SMART and PLDT," said Tony Pio de Roda, managing director, Philippines, Nortel. "This solution will also support SMART’s planned evolution to IMS services. Nortel’s VoIP systems have been designed to enable an easy transition to our SIPbased IMS architecture."

At the same time, Nortel is currently implementing its ninth expansion of PLDT’s national 10G DWDM Domestic Fiber Optic Network (DFON), which SMART also uses to meet its rapidly growing transport requirements. In addition, Nortel has provided optical equipment, including the Optical Multiservice Edge 6500, to expand SMART’s metro Manila optical backbone, as well as call center solutions and DWDM equipment for data center business continuity and disaster recovery services.