Alcatel has been awarded a new GSM mobile network expansion and modernization by Paktel Ltd, the Pakistani network owned by Millicom International Cellular (MIC).

The contract will be executed over 3 phases covering the 4 provinces of the country, building a network with around 1400 sites that will provide EDGE capability and will be implemented by the third quarter next year.

Alcatel will be supplying Paktel Ltd with its industry-leading Evoliumâ„¢ GSM/GPRS end-to-end solutions including Base Station Sub-systems (BSS), a new microwave system expansion to carry high-capacity traffic as well as the installation of Base Transceiver Station (BTS) sites in parallel with operation & maintenance support services

One of the biggest expansion’s of MIC at a time in Pakistan is Paktel, with a market expected to grow fiercely from 16 million subscribers in Sept. 2005 to 40 million subscribers in 2008 – Alcatel will be supporting Paktel Ltd in expanding its network within the country by delivering much needed quality to enable it to grow its current customer base in an extremely competitive market.

“Our subscriber base is growing rapidly. We are targeting to become the 2nd biggest GSM operator of Pakistan by 2008 and partnering with Alcatel will empower our ambitious plan to gain significant market share in the major cities. Our confidence in Alcatel’s long proven record with other MIC subsidiaries in other countries and its ability to deliver on aggressive timelines were key determining factors,â€? says Xavier Rocoplan, Paktel CEO