Nortel Networks reportedly is preparing to make an aggressive push into the Asia-Pacific region over the next three years. According to a Reuters report, the Toronto-based company hopes to capitalize on demand for network gear and services in markets such as India and China.

Last year, the region accounted for 16% of Nortel’s total revenue. The company wants to increase that figure to between 20% and 25% in the next several years.

Representatives from analyst firms as well as the telecom maker itself have described the effort as very ambitious because the Asia market is proving to be extremely cost-competitive. Nortel’s plan is to take its WiMAX equipment and try to set itself apart on technology and long-term value instead of fighting on the basis of low-cost, a battle it likely can’t win with such Asian competitors as Huawei Technologies.