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30th jun 2004 - Thai mobile operator Total Access Communication
Plc (DTAC) has chosen Nokia to supply Nokia Connect
GSM equipment to increase coverage in rural areas. Deliveries
have already begun and the system will be implemented
nationwide during third quarter 2004.
DTAC is the latest in a number of operators to implement
the Nokia Connect GSM solution for optimized network
coverage. The Nokia solution gives competitive advantages
to operators in growth markets by allowing them to provide
voice service at a low total cost of ownership.
"We strongly believe that there are still 10 million
subscribers with no mobile coverage in rural and suburban
areas of Thailand which have strong demand for mobile
services. With this new cost effective solution, Nokia
ConnectSite, DTAC will be able to enhance our coverage
further and provide our best network quality and latest
applications and services to these untapped markets,"
says Sigve Brekke, Chief Executive Officer, DTAC.
"Nokia is proud to provide a market entry solution
to expand DTAC's network coverage, Nokia Connect GSM
is an ideal solution for DTAC. As part of the Nokia
Connect GSM solution, the Nokia ConnectSite base station
helps bring the benefits of digital service to rural
populations in expanding markets in a cost effective
way, " says Suwit Pruckwattananon, Account Director
for DTAC, Networks, Nokia, Thailand.
The deal is an extension of an existing frame agreement
under which Nokia is providing Nokia ConnectSite base
stations, the Nokia Base Station Controller, the Nokia
FlexiHopper microwave radio and other equipment.
The Nokia ConnectSite base station is part of the Nokia
Connect GSM Solution for highly optimized network deployments.
Through the Nokia Connect GSM Solution, operators are
able to lower network-related expenditures in building,
for example, rural coverage, compared to traditional
GSM network solutions. These savings are made possible
in part by new, preconfigured base station solutions,
reducing the business risk of building new sites and
strengthening the strategy for markets with low average
revenue per user levels. This allows operators to focus
on offering handsets and services tailored precisely
for entry-level mobile phone customers.
Having collaborated with DTAC since the early 1990s,
Nokia is the sole supplier of mobile network infrastructure
to DTAC. To date, Nokia has supplied DTAC with complete
mobile network systems and solutions comprising GSM
and GPRS core network and GSM/EDGE radio networks.
About DTAC
DTAC is a wireless communications brand in Thailand,
with over 7 million customers. DTAC aims to make mobile
communications easy, accessible and affordable, under
a just and transparent pricing system.
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