ZTE Corporation, the fastest growing global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, has announced that it is now trialling three of the most advanced telecommunications in the world in Tunisia - with the potential to make Tunisian telecommunications equal to any in the world today.

The latest trial, in association with COSMSI and Tunisia Telecom, is the first ever African deployment of ZTE´s 3G-based GoTa digital trunking network in Tunis and Hammamet, Tunisia. The other trials currently under way are two 3G data communications systems---a CDMA2000 1x EV-DO system in Tunis and Hammamet which enables high speed wireless internet access and business communications, and a UMTS trail system in Sousse and Monatir which enables the mobile subscribers to enjoy the 3G services with the same quality in Europe.

Digital trunking systems enable organisations such as businesses, transport and many other civilian services to securely communicate over short or long distances using mobile phone-type technologies.

The latest network is based on ZTE´s GoTa technology (Global open Trunking architecture) and has been jointly built by ZTE and Tunisia Telecom, the country´s biggest telecoms operator. The network covers many important areas of Tunis and Hammamet including the airport, exhibition centre and major hotels.

This advanced network will provide a variety of services including high-speed data communications, walkie-talkie, and value-added services such as short message, video monitoring, streaming media, cell broadcast and Video-on-Demand (VOD).

The 3G-based GoTa technology offers significant advantages over traditional 2G-based trunking systems including high-speed data services, smooth migration to all-IP (internet protocol) communications, low installation costs and improved quality voice services.

With the distinctive features of higher spectrum utilisation, large capacity, higher data speed, rich services, GoTa technology not only helps reduce the cost of network construction significantly, but also brings rich and sophisticated services for subscribers. As official partner of WSIS, ZTE will provide GOTA service to the Summit.

"We are very pleased that Tunisia Telecom sees ZTE as a trusted adviser when expanding its services and network infrastructure. This GoTa deployment will propel Tunisia to the forefront of countries deploying the latest digital trunking technologies," said Mr Wu Zhenqi, President of ZTE North Afrique.

Today, ZTE´s CDMA products have been successfully deployed in more than 60 countries with more than 30 million lines for over 150 operators. ZTE´s GoTa products have found widespread applications in over 20 countries including Russia, Norway and Malaysia.