Alcatel-Lucent is partnering with KaR-Tel as its sole equipment supplier for the launch of the 700MHz LTE market pilot in Kazakhstan, according to a company announcement. KaR-Tel LLP is an affiliate of the VimpelCom Ltd group which is offering communications services in Kazakhstan under the Beeline brand.

The new LTE network will cover the central districts of Amalty, the business capital of Kazakhstan.

Alcatel-Lucent & KaR-Tel successfully achieved preliminary LTE tests in Astana and Almaty in spring 2010. Operation of the new network in the lower frequency band (700 MHz) allows the operator to ensure the maximum coverage more efficiently. 

“We are the first to launch full-fledged live market pilot of LTE in 700MHz band in post-Soviet territory and to be at the forefront for demonstrating new telecommunications capabilities thanks to our long standing collaboration with Alcatel-Lucent," said Dmitry Kromsky, vice-president, Business development, VimpelCom, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

In this turnkey project, Alcatel-Lucent will supply its LTE base stations, enhanced packet core and IP/MPLS backhaul equipment along with network planning, design, integration and optimisation services.