ZTE has signed a contract with the MTN Nigeria to build GSM/UMTS networks in Nigeria and has been selected by Telenor Pakistan (TP) to provide an array of equipment to assist in the construction of Pakistan’s ‘Turnkey’ 2/3/4/G national network upgrade and extension project.

As part of the Telenor project, ZTE will provide 18,000 network stations and corresponding CNs, VAS, bearer network, green power and supporting facilities. In addition to swapping the existing 7,500 GSM stations, it also will construct 1,500 GSM new base stations, 7,000 HSPA base stations and 2,000 LTE base stations. Construction will take place between 2012 and 2017. In 2012, ZTE will begin expanding and enhancing TP’s wireless network with the goal of achieving GSM, UMTS and LTE network upgrades and integration within 5 years.

ZTE also will provide full network operation management and end-to-end service network optimization services for TP. This will help the operator achieve significant improvements to network quality, allowing it to focus on its market operation services and enhancing its market share.

As part of the agreement with MTN Nigeria, ZTE will help operator modernize and expand its mobile network in two of the country’s most economically developed regions (including 8 states) by providing its SDR-based Uni-RAN solution. Based on analysis, network operating expenses can be reduced by more than 50 per cent and the total cost of ownership saving over 7 years will be reach 40 per cent after modernization, said ZTE.