Alcatel to Build GSM Network in Mali

Alcatel and Ikatel, the second GSM operator of Mali and a subsidiary of Sonatel/France Telecom, have announced that they have signed a contract for the delivery of a nationwide GSM-network in Mali. The first phase of the network installation will start in Bamako by end-2002. When completed the network will be the largest-capacity network in Mali.

Alcatel will supply Ikatel with its Evolium solution, comprising a radio Base Station Subsystem (BSS), a core Network Sub System (NSS). In addition to the network infrastructure, Alcatel will deliver a complete IN (Intelligent Network) solution, built on its Open Services Platform (OSP) and consisting of prepaid services for fixed and mobile, roaming, mobile originated SMS, and call forwarding.

Cheikh Tidiane Mbaye, General Manager of Sonatel declared: "This contract stresses for us the choice we made to invest in quality and to put value before volume in order to offer our customers the best possible network with a wide range of advanced services."

Marc Rouanne, President of Alcatel's Mobile Networks activities added, "Building a solid telecommunication infrastructure is a priority in the economic development plan of a country such as Mali. And we are happy in Alcatel to leverage our experience to the benefit of Ikatel's telecommunication development. This new success confirms our strong commitment to the African mobile market"."

Posted to the site on 10th March 2003