Ericsson to expand VNPT network in 10 provinces in central Vietnam

Ericsson has been selected by Vietnams nationwide operator, Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications (VNPT), to expand the network in 10 rural central provinces.Ericsson will provide VNPT with Ericsson Engine Access Ramp and digital switching platform AXE 810 using the latest software. The Ericsson solution meets both the current requirements of VNPT as well as those of next generation multi-service applications. The project consists of the rollout of 140,000 new local lines for the remote and low-telephone-penetration areas of Vietnams 10 central provinces. When the project is completed in 2005, VNPT will be able to offer people in these areas access to advanced telephone services. Furthermore, the ISDN features in the system will provide VNPT with a platform for service applications such as e-learning and distant healthcare, which are of great use and social benefit for the people in these remote and rural areas. The expansion is being carried out as part of the Central Vietnam Rural Telecom Network project, a communication development project financed by a loan to Vietnam from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).