The deal is aimed at turning m.Net's network into the "most advanced 3G network in Australia". m.Net is a group of multinationals, Australian IT and telecommunications companies, government and research organisations.
Within the investment program, m.Net will be able to take advantage of Alcatel's end-to-end UMTS/WCDMA technology and mobile expertise. The enhanced network is expected to "stimulate the development of new 3G applications by providing Australia's application developer community access to the latest 3G technology".
"Collectively with Alcatel and other consortium members, we are making new and significant advancements in 3G and mobile broadband," said Horden Wiltshire, the chief executive officer of m.Net Corporation.
"Support from private sector companies with global mobile communications expertise, such as Alcatel, and the backing of the Australian government is vital if Australia is to become a global leader in 3G technology and mobile broadband internet," he concluded.
The m.Net Australia project is supported by the government through the Advanced Networks Program of the Department of Communications, Information technology and the Arts (DICTA).
Umm...what expertise does Alcatel have in WCDMA? Unless your thinking of their UTRA-TDD technology, which there are no handsets for.