CABLE and Wireless Jamaica Limited (CWJ) is purchasing U.S.-manufactured cellular communications and equipment from Nortel Networks Inc., and eight other U.S. exporters as part of a US$173 million project, with the assistance of a US$72.3 million, seven-year loan guarantee from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank).
Cable and Wireless Jamaica, a majority-owned subsidiary of British-based Cable and Wireless PLC, has contracted with Nortel to create a general service mobile (GSM) network with islandwide coverage and to upgrade CWJ's existing data-transmission landline network. Ex-Im Bank is guaranteeing a loan by Citibank N.A., of New York, to CWJ.
"The United States provides the best in technologically sophisticated equipment such as this, which will help improve telecommunications service in Jamaica," Ex-Im Bank Chairman Philip Merrill said. "Ex-Im Bank is pleased to support exports like these, which benefit workers and companies in the United States, as well as people in emerging markets like Jamaica."
Nortel, of Sunrise, Fla., is the lead exporter and is providing base station transceivers. The other U.S. exporters are: Hewlett Packard Company of Wellington, Fla., providing computer hardware and software; PowerTech Services Inc., of Hamilton, N.J., providing emergency generators; Digital Island Inc., of San Francisco, Calif., providing design services; Glenayre Electronics Inc., of Duluth, Ga., providing messaging hardware and software; Tallard Technologies of Miami, Fla., providing a PABX system; Global Communications Consulting of Avon, Colo., providing radio equipment; and Rohn Industries Inc. of Pcoria, 111., providing transmission towers.
Next year, Ex-Im Bank marks its 70th year of helping finance the sale of U.S. exports, primarily to emerging markets throughout the world, by providing loan guarantees, export credit insurance, and direct loans. In fiscal year 2003, Ex-Im Bank, an independent federal agency, authorised financing to support approximately US$14.3 billion of U.S. exports worldwide.
