Motorola Picks Up Vietnamese GSM Expansion Contract

Motorola says that it has won contracts worth US$28 million with Viet Nam Posts and Telecommunications (VNPT) Group for the expansion of the Vinaphone GSM network across 12 Northern provinces in Vietnam.

Under the agreements, more than 1,000 cell sites will be deployed in northern Vietnam. Motorola will deliver its GSM infrastructure and solutions as well as a range of comprehensive services, including network optimization, operations and maintenance, to expand the cellular network and mobile services of Vinaphone, a subsidiary of VNPT, in suburban and rural areas of the country. This is MotorolaÃ's second GSM network expansion project with VNPT in six months.

Shipment of the equipment will begin in Q3 2008 and the project is expected to be completed in 2009.

Dr. Hoang Trung Hai, chief executive officer of Vinaphone said: "Motorola is an industry leader and we are pleased to work with them in GSM network deployment. The contracts aim to expand our GSM network deployed in the northern provinces of Viet Nam last year. It will enable us to provide better coverage, capacity and user experience in rural and suburban areas."

Motorola and Vinaphone have previously signed contracts to expand and enhance VinaphoneÃ's GSM network in VietnamÃ's major cities, including Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, in December 2007. Besides GSM networks, the two companies are also cooperating in expanding GPRS coverage and providing EDGE services in Vietnam.

No financial details were provided.

Posted to the site on 25th June 2008