Nepal Telecom to launch IP CDMA by Dec

NNN

KATHMANDU, Nov 13: Nepal Telecom (NT) will start IP CDMA service by December. The service would allow NT customers to enjoy 3G facilities under Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO) technology that offers high-quality of voice and data service regardless of the terrain. "Huawei officials are working double-shift for a timely launch of IP CDMA," NT officials said adding that the service is coming into operation latest by December.  

 The state-owned operator had signed an agreement with China-based Huawei Technologies in August. Huawei, which was awarded the tender to install two million IP CDMA, has got the additional responsibility to work until the start of the service and bring equipment necessary for the service. 

Surendra Thike, NT Spokesperson, said, "Huawei has started giving delivery of equipment and we will be able to launch the service shortly." As per the agreement, Huawei is preparing to start the service by the end of November. 

Under the agreement, the project will be carried out in two phases. Under the first phase, one million IP CDMA-based mobile service would be made available in Eastern and Central Development regions. Similarly, the remaining one million IP CDMA lines will be distributed in Western, Mid-Western and Far Western Development regions.

This modern wireless technology targets customers in cities as well as suburban and rural areas. The service will allow NT to accomplish its target to make broadband services available in all VDCs in the country. 

Under the first phase, two exchanges will be established in Kathmandu and Biratnagar. Similarly, Pokhara and Nepalgunj will also have two exchanges to make sure the service is not disrupted even if one of the exchanges is hit by some technical snag. 

After completion of the first phase, broadband Internet service will be available in all cities and 60 percent suburban and rural areas of those regions. 

Similarly, NT targets to make broadband service available in all the cities and 50 percent suburban and rural areas of Western, Mid-Western and Far Western regions through EV-DO technology under the second phase.