The contract calls for Alcatel-Lucent to deploy more than 1,400 multi-standard base stations GSM/EDGE latest technology to improve voice and data services over the MobiFone network and to extend coverage and capacity throughout northern Vietnam.

"As the strategic technology partner of MobiFone since 1993, Alcatel-Lucent has worked hard to meet MobiFone's exacting standards as it strives to provide state-of-art service to its customers and we So we are delighted to be chosen again for their faith in our technology and expertise," said Raoul Ros, Alcatel-Lucent Vietnam Managing director. "Vietnam is an exciting market with a citizenship that eagerly embraces the benefits of top-notch communications technology. Alcatel-Lucent can deliver the world-class solutions that give consumers access to high-speed internet, top-quality voice and data networks, more personalised services, mobile entertainment anytime-anywhere with ease."

Alcatel-Lucent will provide full turn-key services for the implementation of this major network upgrade for MobiFone, scheduled for completion by the end of the first quarter of 2009.

According to research conducted and released by Vietnam's Ministry of Communication earlier this year, Vietnam's mobile phone service providers grew to more than 48 million subscribers, 90% of which are pre-paid customers. The subscriber number is expected to grow 23.5% year-over-year. To date, MobiFone has more than 13.5 million subscribers and in the second quarter of the year was ranked 1 by the Ministry of Communication of Vietnam in terms of quality of service.

Cellular News - November 27, 2008