VivaCell launches HSPA+ services in Yerevan (Armenia)
Armenian mobile operator, VivaCell-MTS has launched HSPA+ services with download speeds of up to 21.6 Mbps in capital Yerevan.
At the time of the launch, VivaCell also introduced new mobile modems, the MTS Connect Diamond modem which supports 14.4 Mbps download speeds, and the MTS Connect E 1820 modem which supports speeds of up to 21.6 Mbps.
The operator also stated that it will expand the HSPA+ service in other regions as well. The deployment of HSPA+ technology in Yerevan is done in parallel with testing and further roll-out of LTE technology. VivaCell began commercial testing of LTE services in the capital on December20, 2010.
ArmenTel expands 3G network coverage in Armenian regions
Armenian mobile operator, ArmenTel has reportedly expanded its 3G network footprint to encompass the cities of Ararat, Armavir, Artashat, Ashtarak, Vardenis, Vedi, Gavar, Yeghvard, Masis, Metsamor, Hrazdan and Sevan as well as dozens of village communities.
According to reports, hand in hand with the UMTS network expansion the telco is deploying additional 3G-enabled base stations in the cities of Abovyan, Vanadzor, Gyumri, Echmiadzin and Yerevan, to improve capacity on its existing network infrastructure.
As a result of the latest upgrade works, the operator’s 3G signal is now available to 2.5 million Armenians, equivalent to 81.1% of the population.
VivaCell-MTS plans to launch commercial LTE services in Feb 2011 (Armenia)
Armenian cellco VivaCell-MTS has launched its LTE network on a ‘test-commercial basis’.
The company plans a full commercial launch in February starting in Yerevan before being expanded to Armenia’s regions.
VivaCell-MTS has paid US$2.7 million for a 4G concession in November. Meanwhile, fellow operator Armentel is believed to be in discussions with the Public Services Regulatory Commission of Armenia as it seeks to secure a 4G concession.
New market entrant ADC promises faster, cheaper services
Former monopoly ArmenTel and alternative telco Fibernet face fresh competition in the Armenian fixed line internet access market in the shape of Armenian Datacom Company (ADC). The newcomer launched on 27 April and promises to deliver faster, cheaper services in the near future. ADC, an Armenian-Norwegian closed joint venture founded in 2006, has set up a USD3.4 million fibre-optic network in the capital Yerevan, initially targeting business users. It has access to its own satellite, bypassing the need to use ArmenTel’s limited capacity satellite which is used by other companies providing internet services in the country. ADC plans to invest a further USD1.5 million in the short term to improve services and is already promising cost savings for users: ‘Unlike our competitors’, our network will provide internet access and data transmission services at prices that will be lower by 25%,’ a spokesman said.
