Huawei wins Copaco 3G network deployment (Paraguay)
Paraguayan state-owned operator Copaco has selected Huawei for the deployment of a 3G network. The amount offered was $ 12 million, the lowest cost submitted at the auction.
The deal is valued at USD12 million, lower than the competing offers made by ZTE (USD13 million) and Ericsson (USD47 million), but this did not pass the first stage of pre-qualification.
Huawei will begin launching the network in January with a view to a commercial launch by June or July.
Copaco plans 135,000 new lines
Paraguay’s state-owned fixed line telco Copaco says it plans to deploy 135,000 new basic lines in 2007. Deployments will begin in March reports BNamericas, citing local newspaper Ultima Hora. The telco is also planning to reduce line rental costs to encourage take-up among lower income households. Copaco had 321,000 main lines in service at the end of 2005, giving Paraguay a fixed line penetration rate of 5.2%.
Source- telegeography Wireless Mobile Telecom
