Azerbaijan, Baku, May 13 / Trend /
Customers of Azerfon will soon enjoy a superior communication experience as the operator rolls out a significant expansion and modernization of its current GSM and 3G network.
Under the first year network modernization contract signed with Nokia Siemens Networks, Azerfon will invest more than 65 million USD to ensure a superior quality network in Azerbaijan.
Implementation by Nokia Siemens Networks has already started and is expected to be completed by the end of 2011. Nokia Siemens Networks aims to strengthen Azerfon's network with its latest technology.
"2011 will be a year of major changes for Azerfon customers. As a part of our network expansion plan for 2011, we will significantly increase the number of GSM and 3G sites, expand our network to include metro stations and build an LTE network, providing a major breakthrough in mobile internet speed in Azerbaijan," CEO of Azerfon Jurgen Peetz said.
"We have selected Nokia Siemens Network, the global market leader for 3G and 4G technology, as our vendor for network expansion and modernization, as a result of which, we will have over 1600 sites (2GSM/3G/LTE) by the end of 2011. This will ensure best network quality in Azerbaijan from Azerfon. This year we will expand our network to the underground, thereby having high-quality coverage not only in metro stations, but also everywhere on the tube system in Baku. Our aim is to provide customers of our brands, Nar Mobile and Azerfon-Vodafone, with a high performance network, and the best services and prices," Peetz said.
"We are happy to be selected as the supplier of Azerfon for major network modernization and expansion plan in 2011. The contract we signed with Azerfon covers GSM modernization, significant 3G expansion and initial LTE rollout with Nokia Siemens Networks technology, software and services. The fastest growing mobile operator of Azerbaijan selected Nokia Siemens Networks for this major renewal of its network, which we expect will enable subscribers to enjoy world-class mobile services by the end of 2011. We are committed to delivering the best network for Azerfon, helping the operator provide best end-user experience in Azerbaijan," Head of CIS Divisions at Nokia Siemens Networks Ernst Nassl said.
AZERFON LLC launched its commercial activities on March 21, 2007 under Nar Mobile brand. The trademark Nar was created as a symbol of the relationship between Azerbaijan's rich cultural heritage and modern life. Azerfon being the most dynamic and innovative mobile operator is the driving force of mobile communications market in Azerbaijan. Azerfon pioneered the implementation of manat-based charging with Nar Mobile, introduced 3G technology based services and products in 2009. Having signed a strategic long-term partnership with global Vodafone Azerfon established its second brand Azerfon-Vodafone known for its fast mobile broadband and best roaming services.
Today, the network coverage of Azerfon reaches 80% of territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Currently Azerfon has 1,7mln served customers. www.azerfon.az
Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading global enabler of telecommunications services. With its focus on innovation and sustainability, the company provides a complete portfolio of mobile, fixed and converged network technology, as well as professional services including consultancy and systems integration, deployment, maintenance and managed services. It is one of the largest telecommunications hardware, software and professional services companies in the world. Operating in 150 countries, its headquarters are in Espoo, Finland.