(19 January 2011, Sao Paulo) – Comba Telecom Systems Holdings Limited (“Comba” or “the Group”, Hong Kong stock code: 2342), a leading wireless enhancement solutions provider announced the completion of a project where it supplied wireless equipment to a major mobile operator for 2G and 3G wireless coverage at the site of the largest astronomical project in the world, located in the Republic of Chile (“Chile”).

Situated in the Atacama desert in northern Chile, the ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/sub millimeter Array) is a billion dollar international project between Europe, North America, East Asia and Chile to build a single telescope composed of an array of 12 meter antennas and state-of-the-art receivers observing at millimeter and sub millimeter wavelengths. ALMA is expected to provide insights into star and planet formation and is scheduled to commence operations in 2012.

With a multitude of companies involved in the construction of this project, effective communications are essential to the success of ALMA. Working closely with systems integrator ECTEL, Comba was selected as the supplier of wireless equipment including split band adjustable repeaters, indoor and outdoor antennas. ECTEL was responsible for the systems installation and services to enable 2G and 3G outdoor and in-building coverage at the ALMA construction site and the base camp.

Mr. Patrik Westfalk, General Manager of Comba’s Carribean and Latin America (CALA) operations, said “We are delighted to work with ECTEL to supply complete wireless solutions to the operator whereby they are assured of the robustness of Comba’s equipment in the harsh desert environment. This latest success is testament to the confidence of Chile’s operators in Comba and our solutions.”

Mr. Simon Yeung, Executive Director and Senior Vice President of Comba, said “We are honored to have the opportunity to help in the success of this incredible project. Through the use of Comba’s equipment, the wireless operator is able to offer mobile phone coverage deep in the Atacama desert – thereby facilitating communications for the ALMA project contractors and their employees within the site and to the outside world.”

Artist conception of the ALMA array with roads, in the extended configuration.

© ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)

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