There may not be peace in Afghanistan, but its capital
at least is about to get 3G mobile coverage.
Siemens Communications Group has been awarded a contract by New
York-based Telephone Systems International (TSI) to set up a
W-CDMA-based 3G network in Kabul.
The roll-out is on behalf of the Afghan Wireless Communication
Company (AWCC), the mobile operator which is 80% owned by TSI. The
Afghan government has a 20% minority share in the company.
In addition to 3G technology, Siemens will also supply 2G
equipment to the mobile operator.
Around 1.5 million people are said to use mobile telephony in
Afghanistan, a market penetration of about 4%.
“Using the new wireless technology we will be able to connect
more people to the communications network in Afghanistan quickly
and easily,” said Dan Florentine, chief financial officer of
TSI.
In addition to voice and mobile internet communications, TSI
wants to deliver mobile TV to Afghanis, many of whom don’t even own
their own traditional TV.
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