Alcatel-Lucent has announced a multi-million dollar contract with Etisalat Lanka to increase its GSM/EDGE network capacity and coverage and build 3G HPSA+ all-IP broadband network.

In total, 480 GSM/EDGE sites and 515 3G HPSA+ sites will be deployed as part of the contract. Alcatel-Lucent will supply an end-to-end solution, including the converged radio access, a new all-IP mobile packet core network capable of supporting 2G, 3G and LTE and a full end-to-end IP transport solution.

Alcatel-Lucent’s solution also includes a MiTV™ application that will enable Etisalat Lanka to offer advanced mobile broadband and multimedia services such as mobile interactive television and video to over 3 million subscribers and businesses in Sri Lanka. 

This network will also leverage IP to offer scalable bandwidth to accommodate the anticipated surge in mobile traffic and provide the foundation for the seamless future introduction of LTE technology.

"Alcatel-Lucent’s solution and support will help us expand our network and introduce the innovative wireless services that our subscribers are expecting," said Mr. Sanath Pilapitiya, CTO of Etisalat Lanka.