In a bid to gain head start in the development of technology conforming to LTE (Long Term Evolution) technology standards across the globe, Nortel has withdrawn funds from its in-house research & development for WiMax and diverted the funds to development of LTE-based solutions. The R&D activities for WiMax will be handled by Nortel’s Joint Venture for WiMax with Israel-based Alvarion.

While stating on this dual focus on two technologies, Gerry Collins, director of wireless at Nortel EMEA said that although the company is transferring the in-house R&D funding for LTE but this in no way underlies the importance of WiMax  and in fact the company sees two different but complementary markets for these technologies.

Further the company said that it will continue to focus on supply of WiMax equipments in developing economies like Eastern Europe whereas it will concentrate on LTE for developed world.