CelPlan sees Latin revs trebling on new expansion

US telecoms consultancy and software developer CelPlan Technologies expects Latin American sales to triple to US$20mn in the next 1.5 years as it rolls out a regional expansion plan, company president Leonhard Korowajczuk told BNamericas. The company develops network software for mobile and fixed wireless telecom operators, combining actual data with forecasts to help plan, deploy or optimize networks, he said. CelPlan also offers systems integration and engineering consulting services, he added. CelPlan has 20 wireless operator clients in Latin America, served from an office in Brazil established in the early 1990s, or from the US, Korowajczuk said. Customers are now demanding closer attention and the company is planning to strengthen its presence in various countries, he said. CelPlan opened its second Latin American office in Argentina at the end of November and plans to add offices in Chile and Mexico during the first quarter of 2004, he said, adding the company may also set up shop in Ecuador and Venezuela later in the year. Each office requires some US$2mn investment, but new revenues should allow for a quick return, he said, adding that resurgent growth among telecoms operators and the proliferation of new mobile networks are two other factors indicating strong growth in the next few years for Latin America.