Motorola wins expansion contract for largest GSM Network in Pakistan

Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited (PMCL) (Mobilink), Pakistan's largest mobile phone operator in terms of subscribers, has selected Motorola's Global Telecommunications Solutions Sector (GTSS) to provide wireless network infrastructure equipment that will double the operator's subscriber base capacity to two million customers on its nationwide network. Commercial deployment is scheduled by mid 2003.

As part of the agreement, Motorola will work with PMCL (Mobilink) to extend an overlay Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications system on PMCL's (Mobilink) 900 MHz network. The total value of the GPRS/GSM contract is approximately $39 million, which includes network equipment as well as offerings from Motorola's Lifecycle Services portfolio to enhance and optimize network performance.

The expansion comes as a part of PMCL (Mobilink's) continued efforts to increase its network. 'PMCL (Mobilink) is the market leader in Pakistan, and our consumers expect us to provide them with reliable, countrywide service,' said Al F. Barry, president and chief executive officer of PMCL (Mobilink). 'Motorola has been our sole supplier for radio infrastructure during the past eight years, providing us with the equipment, expertise, optimized technology and services to help us meet the growing needs of our customers. Soon PMCL (Mobilink) will launch the GPRS being currently deployed by Motorola.'

The GSM network, featuring Horizon base stations, is upgradeable to General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) to handle data services as well as voice.

'We've worked closely with PMCL (Mobilink) to play a critical role in supporting the continued growth of the telecom industry in Pakistan,' said Jeff Cherif, general manager of the Middle East and Africa region for GTSS. 'With this agreement, we will help PMCL (Mobilink) expand its coverage and capacity to deliver mobile communications that help make life simpler for its customers and pave the way for high speed data services in the future.'

The contract strengthens Motorola's position as a leading supplier of cellular infrastructure equipment to the still fast growing Middle East and Africa regions. Motorola supplies complete network solutions for GSM, GPRS, Enhanced Data for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks.