Monday, August 31, 2009

Laos: Lao Star Telecom is preparing to launch a 3G service with Viettel of Vietnam

[cellular news] Laos based mobile network operator, Star Telecom is reported to be preparing to launch a 3G network in the near future. The Chinese Xinhua news agency, citing the Vientiane Times reported that the 3G network would be developed in partnership with Vietnam's Viettel.

Viettel set up the partnership in Laos late last year with local firm, Laos-Asia Telecommunications. Star Telecom has set itself a target of 1.5 million customers by 2010.

Star Telecom is studying the market before deciding when to introduce the 3G service to local customers, Saeng Alounboulana, head of the Lao Star Telecom Administration told the newspaper. He added that the network operator had completed installation of 700 base transceivers in Laos and planned to complete 1,200 phone signal stations around the country at the end of this year.

According to estimates from the Mobile World analysts, Star Telecom ended Q1 '09 with around 63,000 subscribers.

Laos Operator Plans 3G Network Rollout

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