Huawei Joins Hands with ITU to Promote ICT Development in Developing Countries

KIGALI, Rwanda, October 31 /PRNewswire/ --

- Huawei and ITU signed MOU at Connect Africa Summit

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. ("Huawei"), a leader in providing next
generation telecommunications network solutions for operators around the
world, today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to jointly promote ICT
development in developing countries. The MOU was signed by Mr. Sami 
Al-Basheer, Director of Bureau of Development of Telecommunication (BDT) of 
ITU, and Mr. Fan Hui, Vice President of Huawei at the Connect Africa Summit 
held in Kigali, Rwanda from 29th-30th October.

(Photo: http://xprnnews.xfn.info/huawei/20071029/HKM006.htm )

Under the MOU, Huawei and ITU will work together to improve connectivity
in rural and remote areas in emerging markets, as well as to close gaps in 
broadband backbone networks. Both parties will also co-operate to improve
interconnection between regions, and develop local telecoms expertise by
offering training programs focusing on the maintenance of established
networks. These initiatives will be implemented based on an analysis of
existing and planned infrastructure.

As a first step, the two parties will use Huawei's existing training
centers in India and Nigeria to provide telecommunications training for
local talent. Huawei operates 22 training centers across the world, with 
12 strategically located in developing countries including India, Nigeria 
and Egypt.

In welcoming the signing of the MOU, Mr. Al-Basheer said, "We are greatly
impressed by Huawei's contributions to developing countries in Africa and 
other parts of the world to help close their digital divide and enhance
their connectivity to the developed world. The signing of the MOU 
demonstrates the commitment of both parties to work together to further 
promote communication development in developing countries."

"We are confident that through ITU's established global network and
Huawei's deep experience in successfully delivering world-class
telecommunication solutions in global markets we will be highly
instrumental in advancing ICT capabilities in developing countries. This is
one of the central tenets of Huawei's mission - enriching lives through
communications," said Mr. Fan Hui.

In line with this, Huawei also donated telecommunication equipment worth 
USD130,000 to the Rwandan government, to provide quality broadband services 
in support of the Connect Africa Summit.

About ITU

ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and
communication technology issues, and the global focal point for governments
and the private sector in developing networks and services. For more than 
140 years, ITU has coordinated shared global use of the radio spectrum, 
promoted international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, worked 
to improve telecommunication infrastructure in the developing world, and 
established the worldwide standards that assure seamless interconnection 
of a vast range of communications systems. For more information, 
visit http://www.itu.int .

About Huawei Technologies

Huawei Technologies is a leader in providing next generation
telecommunications networks, and now serves 31 of the world's top 50
operators, along with over one billion users worldwide. The company is
committed to providing innovative and customized products, services and
solutions to create long-term value and growth potential for its customers.
For more information, visit http://www.huawei.com .

For media enquiries, please contact:

    Olayinka Olushoga
    Brand Manager
    Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Tel:  +234-3630-0000
    Cell: +234-8033004114
    Email: oyinka@huawei.com


    Web site: http://www.huawei.com
              http://www.itu.int
              http://xprnnews.xfn.info/huawei/20071029/HKM006.htm