GTEL-Mobile, Vietnam’s newest GSM operator, backed by Russia’s VimpelCom, has signed a deal with independent network planning and optimisation consultancy AIRCOM International, that allows GTEL-Mobile to meet its ambitious rollout plans.

GTEL-Mobile has awarded the contract to AIRCOM after a competitive tender. It will see AIRCOM provide network management services for the Phase 1 of GSM network rollout, including technical support for site acquisition activities, radio network planning and modeling, and associated training services.

Commenting on the news Alexey Blyumin, Chief Executive Officer at GTEL-Mobile, said, “As the newest operator in this highly competitive market, we need to focus all our efforts on a rapid and efficient rollout to ensure we build strong customer relationships from the first day of commercial service. We will leverage AIRCOM’s worldwide expertise in mobile networks planning and the organisation’s experience.”

“Vietnam is an incredibly vibrant market and we are delighted to be working closely with GTEL-Mobile to help achieve their business objectives,” said Nick Brown, Managing Director, Asia Pacific at AIRCOM International. “Our range of services is designed to help mobile operators make the most efficient use of both their capital and operational expenditure. Working with GTEL-Mobile from the beginning of their network design is a terrific opportunity to ensure the new network is designed to maximise return on investment from day one.”

GTEL-Mobile is scheduled to launch commercial GSM services at 1800 Mhz in the first half of next year.

About AIRCOM International

AIRCOM is an independent provider of network and data management tools and services. The company specialises in end-to-end network planning, sharing, outsourcing and OSS optimisation for IP and cellular networks.

Headquartered in the UK with offices in 18 countries, AIRCOM has more than 10 years’ experience across 131 countries for over half the world’s mobile operators, including more than 3.5 million man hours working on 3G networks alone. Every day 19 out of the 20 top global operators depend upon AIRCOM’s tools and consultants to improve the coverage and customer experience for more than 1.1 billion subscribers.

AIRCOM continues to grow its customer base each year, offering advice, training and support services, backed by high performance tools designed to deliver real benefits for both subscribers and operators.

www.aircominternational.com

About GTEL-Mobile

GTEL-Mobile Vietnam will offer mobile services in Vietnam on GSM 1800 Mhz. GTEL-Mobile is a joint venture between VimpelCom of Russia and two Vietnamese State owned companies GTEL and GTEL TSC.

About GTEL

GTEL is a state-owned Global Telecommunications Corporation. GTEL has plans to provide different telecommunication and IT solutions in Vietnam such as : fixed and mobile phone, value-added services, broadband Internet, information and network security services, software, etc.

About VimpelCom

The VimpelCom Group consists of telecommunications operators providing voice and data services through a range of wireless, fixed and broadband technologies. The Group includes companies operating in Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Georgia and Armenia, in territories with a total population of about 340 million. The Group companies provide services under the "Beeline" brand. In July 2008 VimpelCom signed a joint venture agreement to launch a GSM network in Vietnam and acquired a 90% stake in Sotelco, a company holding a GSM license for Cambodia.

www.vimpelcom.com