Alcatel today announced the signing of a US$14 million GSM expansion contract with Gansu Mobile Communication Company Limited (Gansu MCC), a subsidiary of China Mobile. The contract was won through Alcatel Shanghai Bell, Alcatel`s flagship Chinese company.
Alcatel will deploy its industry-leading Evolium GSM/GPRS/EDGE solutions including major new software for both radio and mobile core. Thanks to this project to be completed in June 2004, Gansu MCC will be able to significantly improve network performance reliability and to serve up to 2.5 million subscribers.
In addition, Alcatel will provide 20 000 sets of GSM wireless business phones which will help Gansu MCC to develop public phone business in rural areas where fixed lines are not available.
Gansu is located in the upper reaches of the Yellow River, in China`s northwest, and has a population of 23 million inhabitants. As most of the area to be covered is flat, mobile network coverage is the easiest way for end-users to be connected with the outside world.
Yao Shihong, General Manager of Gansu MCC, said: "We treasure our long-term partnership with Alcatel. With the deployment of Alcatel`s advanced mobile network solutions, we build and maintain high-quality networks and provide more value-added services, that meet the ever-growing demands of subscribers."
Marc Rouanne, Chief Operating Officer of Alcatel`s mobile activities, said: " This new network expansion made by Alcatel for Gansu MCC demonstrates Gansu MCC`s confidence in our mobile solutions and services."
Alcatel is the front-runner in the mobile communication field in Gansu. Alcatel has been partnering with Gansu MCC on GSM solutions since 1995.
Alcatel is among the top-tier mobile communications solutions providers in China, the world`s largest mobile market. Alcatel`s GSM/GPRS/EDGE and CDMA solutions have been deployed by all the major telecom service providers in China, covering 21 provinces in the nation.
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Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or to their employees. Alcatel leverages its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks, applications and services to bring value to its customers in the framework of a broadband world. With sales of EURO 16.5 billion in 2002, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.
Alcatel Shanghai Bell
Alcatel Shanghai Bell is the first foreign-invested company limited by shares in the telecommunications sector in China, with Alcatel holding 50%+1 shares and Chinese shareholders holding the remainder. The multibillion-dollar telecom technology leader delivers end-to-end telecommunications solutions and high-quality services, covering the fixed, mobile networking, broadband access, intelligent optical networking, multimedia solutions and network applications. It also has a key international R&D centre with full access to Alcatel`s global technology pool, developing original technology for use in China and export to Alcatel`s customers worldwide. With an advanced manufacturing centre, and the most extensive sales and support network in China, it is the only company capable of meeting the global needs of Chinese customers. For more information, visit Alcatel Shanghai Bell on the Internet at http://www.alcatel-sbell.com.cn.
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