Nortel to expand capacity of PTML's Ufone GSM Network

New Delhi: Pak Telecom Mobile Ltd (PTML) has awarded Nortel Networks (www.nortelnetworks.com) a contract estimated at $56 million to implement a major expansion of PTML''s national Ufone GSM 900 digital wireless network.

This is the second major expansion by Nortel Networks since building the original network for PTML in 2001, and it is expected to raise Ufone''s capacity to 1.3 million subscribers. Under this agreement, PTML plans to expand and upgrade GSM radio base stations, switching, packet core and other related equipment from Nortel Networks to support its wireless network.

This network is characterised by near-wireline voice quality, high security, exceptional radio performance, and leading-edge wireless voice, data and fax features, demonstrating Nortel Networks GSM leadership across core and access. As part of this expansion, PTML will also be deploying Nortel Networks Packet VoiceGateway (PVG), a packet voice solution delivering toll quality voice on Nortel Networks Passport multi-service data-switching platform.

"Nortel Networks GSM wireless technology plays an important role in helping us achieve our objective in becoming the leading cellular brand in the country," says Arshad Khan, president and chief executive officer, Ufone. "Through their global expertise in deploying GSM and GPRS networks, we are confident that Nortel Networks will continue to deliver a high-quality infrastructure in the deployment for phase-III of our network expansion."

"Nortel Networks is proud to contribute to the evolution of Pakistan''s telecommunications infrastructure through our long-standing relationship with the country''s first Pakistani-owned wireless network," says Kamal Ahmed, managing director, Pakistan, Nortel Networks.

In addition to the initial network build and two network expansions for PTML, Nortel Networks has also provided Pakistan Telecommunications Corporation Ltd, PTML''s parent company, with a long haul optical backbone to provide enhanced bandwidth capacity for voice and data customers.