Ericsson Signs GSM Network Expansion Contract with Viettel
Ericsson has signed a contract to expand its GSM network with Viettel, aiming to enhance coverage in rural areas of Vietnam and increase network capacity in major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
Under the contract, Ericsson will provide Viettel with new core network nodes, base stations, and microwave transmission equipment. The agreement also includes project management, integration services, project deployment, upgrades, and enhancements of billing and voicemail service functionalities.
According to Jan Signell, President of Ericsson Southeast Asia: “This contract will strengthen the partnership between Ericsson and Viettel and enhance Ericsson’s position as the leading mobile communication system provider in Vietnam. Ericsson currently offers its solutions in over 140 countries, including Vietnam, with networks VinaPhone and MobiFone.”
In the Vietnamese mobile market, the Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) still holds the top position with its two largest networks, VinaPhone and MobiFone. Viettel and S-Fone occupy the third position, while EVNmobile from the Electric Power Industry has just entered the market.
In the first half of 2006, VNPT developed 2.04 million new phone lines, achieving 49.1% of its annual plan, which is a 45% increase compared to the same period last year, bringing the total number of phone lines across the network to 15.42 million. This includes 7.1 million fixed lines, 4.3 million VinaPhone mobile lines, and 3.7 million MobiFone mobile lines.
Currently, Viettel Mobile is in the process of trialing two services: “Film Schedule” (which updates television schedules) and “Bus Finder” for customers using the 098 network. These services are offered for free during the trial period (from June 27 to July 31, 2006). In addition to launching these two services, starting July 1, 2006, Viettel Mobile will also provide a top-up service for prepaid customers. With this service, customers can continue to communicate normally even if their account has been temporarily suspended.
S-Fone has also announced that it has officially completed nationwide coverage with nearly 600 broadcasting stations and is continuing to implement plans to cover remote districts, border areas, and islands. S-Fone aims to cover 80% of districts nationwide by the end of the first quarter of 2007. Previously, VinaPhone officially announced coverage in 100% of districts across the country.
L.Quang
