China's ZTE wins Libya Tel deal for WiMAX network

• WiMAX is an advanced wireless multimedia network for users of mobile phones and other devices.

SHANGHAI, China's second-largest telecoms gear maker, ZTE Corp said on Thursday it has signed a deal with Libya Telecom & Technology to build Africa's first commercial WiMAX network.

The network will cover eight major cities in Libya, including the country's capital Tripoli, and is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2008, ZTE said in a statement.

ZTE signed a deal last year to provide WiMAX equipment to No. 3 U.S. wireless firm Sprint Nextel Corp , and has also built 21 commercial WiMAX network trials in other markets including Singapore, Thailand and Saudi Arabia, the statement added.

It did not disclose a value for the deal. Shenzhen-based ZTE's cross-town rival, Huawei Technologies Co Ltd , said early this week that it had won an order for a commercial WiMAX network in Bulgaria from operator TransTelecom.

WiMAX is an advanced wireless multimedia network for users of mobile phones and other devices.

Reuters