Teletalk Bangladesh, Nokia Siemens Networks to Double Subscriber Capacity

Teletalk Bangladesh, a state-run mobile operator, reportedly has agreed to a network expansion project with Nokia Siemens Networks (News - Alert). 

 

In addition to doubling Teletalk’s subscriber capacity, the new project is expect to help the operator enhance its existing network coverage and offer advanced wireless services in a cost efficient manner to mobile customers.

 

The expansion gets underway as the telecom market shows its sluggishness. The growth of cell phone companies in Bangladesh dropped in August 2008, and number of new subscribers that month fell by 500,000 compared to July. Operators say the current economic slowdown could be a reason.

 

The number of TeleTalk subscribers was 1.07 million customers in June while it fell to 0.93 million in July and 0.89 million in August. Incidentally, Teletalk Bangladesh was the first mobile telephone company to enhance its networks to three hill districts including Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachori in Bangladesh.

 

The size of the investment in network expansion project is not available. This marks the first supply deal in Bangladesh for the Nokia Siemens Networks’ mobile softswitching.

 

“We have a commitment to the people of Bangladesh to provide them with state of the art services,” said Mujibur Rahman, managing director of Teletalk Bangladesh. “Thus, as we planned our new phase of expansion, we decided to work with Nokia Siemens Networks to transform our core network to facilitate this. We are confident that this deal will allow us to develop our subscriber base and to offer exciting new services to all customers.”

 

“The deal with Teletalk is especially significant for us as we will enjoy the full scope of the core network in the Bangladesh market,” said Ricky Corker, head of Asia North Sub-region, Nokia Siemens Networks. “Given our expertise in core network solution deployments and the technology leadership we enjoy, we are confident of facilitating innovative multimedia mobile services that will exceed Teletalk’s customers’ expectations.”

 

Under the project, Nokia Siemens Networks will build capacity for Teletalk with the modernization of its core network, including mobile softswitching, packet core, and Home Location Register. The Release 4 architecture of the MSC (News - Alert) Server softswitching will enable Teletalk to accelerate deployment of converged wireless services, while optimizing costs.