Three-year frame agreement will provide
expansion and upgrade of SOMONCOM’s GSM network in Tajikistan
Khujand, Tajikistan – April 24, 2006 – SOMONCOM, one of the largest network operators
in Tajikistan and a subsidiary of CATD B.V. (a subsidiary of MCT Corp.), has
chosen Motorola (NYSE: MOT) to expand its GSM network as part of a three-year
framework agreement. Motorola will finance a portion of the purchase price.
The network expansion, which includes solutions from the Motorola Reach GSM
portfolio, will enhance SOMONCOM’s service quality and coverage and provide a
network that is prepared for future technology upgrades. It will also increase
the capacity of the network to support rapid growth and development.
The Motorola Reach GSM infrastructure that is being deployed includes
Motorola’s Horizon II 900/1800 MHz base stations, which support GPRS and a
future migration to EDGE. This technology will simplify the future network
development as the company looks to introduce enhanced data applications and
services.
Richard F. Seney, CEO of MCT commented, “MCT is pleased to continue expansion
of its long-term strategic relationship with Motorola. Collectively we are
committed to bringing an ever-expanding, state-of-the art service offering to
the people of Tajikistan.”
Mamajon Khamidov, general director of SOMONCOM says: “The mobile industry in
Tajikistan is entering a period of rapid growth and we are challenged to
continually provide innovative services and an improved user experience to more
customers. We have a long history with Motorola through its relationship with
MCT and believe its expertise and heritage in GSM will help us achieve our
business goals.”
Jose Figueroa, corporate vice president and regional manager, Motorola Networks
EMEA comments: “Through SOMONCOM, we are able to further demonstrate our
innovation and expertise in rapidly emerging markets and support SOMONCOM’s
strategic focus on expansion and smooth migration to new technologies. This
contract builds on our ten-year relationship with MCT and now sees us working
with two out of the three MCT Central Asian ventures.”
About SOMONCOM
Somoncom launched service in 1999 in the northern region of Tajikistan as
the first GSM operator in the Republic of Tajikistan. Somoncom has the largest
network coverage area in northern Tajikistan. In addition to the regional
capital of Khujand, Somoncom provides coverage to all major population centers,
including the remote Pendjikent region, as well as to mountainous areas along
Tajikistan’s north-south highway. For current information on Somoncom, please
visit www.somoncom.com
About MCT Corp. and CATD B.V.
MCT Corp. is a leading provider of mobile wireless telecommunications services
in Central Asia and Russia. CATD B.V. is a joint venture between US-based MCT Corp.
and the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (“AKFED”). MCT has developed
twenty-nine ventures in the region since its formation over 10 years ago, and
today provides mobile and other telecom services through eight ventures
licensed to serve populations of 61.4 million people. Service is offered under
Indigo and other regional service brands. Further information is available at www.mctcorp.net.
Source: Motorola press release
