3G Coming to Afghanistan

Siemens has been awarded a contract to set up a W-CDMA network in Kabul for Afghan Wireless Communication Company (AWCC). In addition to 3G technology, Siemens will also supply 2G equipment to the mobile operator in Afghanistan.

Around 1.5 million people use mobile telephony in Afghanistan, a market penetration of about four percent. "Using the new wireless technology we will be able to connect more people to the communications network in Afghanistan - quickly and easily," said Dan Florentine, Chief Financial Officer of TSI. "In addition to voice communications, we want to deliver mobile internet access and mobile TV to our customers over the 3G network."

AWCC was the country's first GSM network provider and the first mobile carrier in Afghanistan with a W-CDMA license.

TSI is the 80% shareholder of Afghan Wireless Communication Company (AWCC), with the Afghan Ministry of Communications the remaining 20% shareholder. AWCC reaches over 50 major cities throug-hout Afghanistan."

Posted to the site on 18th August 2006