Alcatel-Lucent has strengthened its ties with China Mobile Pakistan (CMPak) with a new network expansion deal, whereby the former will amplify the CMPak’s existing GSM/EDGE network, in a contract valued US$52.9 million.

“This contract reinforces the existing strategic partnership between CMPak, China Mobile and Alcatel-Lucent,” said Qian Li, CEO of CMPak,

According to the terms of the contract, Alcatel-Lucent will take care of building the network, providing design, deployment and integration services. Additionally, it will also offer project management and maintenance services to help CMPak lower its network operational costs.

Further, Alcatel-Lucent, through its company in China Alcatel-Lucent Shanghai Bell will render CMPak with its multi-standard GSM/EDGE radio access solution including its latest Base Station Controller platform and TWIN transceivers, along with microwave transport solutions for enhancing interconnection among base stations and providing mobile traffic backhauling capabilities.

“Alcatel-Lucent will help us implement our business plans and ensure we can rely on industry-proven mobile technologies in Pakistan for now and the future,” added Li.

Alcatel-Lucent will offer a suite of network integration services such as network optimization, system support and general project management

The network, which is slated to be complete in the first quarter of 2009, once completed, will allow CMPak to provide enhanced commercial services in northern Pakistan.