GSM/EDGE, Russia: GSM/GPRS services in Russia’s Povolzhie region are set for expansion now that Alcatel has signed a contract with one of Russia’s key mobile operators, SMARTS, the Middle Volga Inter-Regional Association of Radio-Telecommunication Systems.

SMARTS in turn will optimise existing mobile infrastructure, double its networks subscribers' capacity in the cities of Kazan and Saratov, improve communication quality and accelerate the deployment of new mobile broadband services, such as video streaming, MMS and high speed Internet access.

More specifically, Alcatel will deliver its industry-proven Evolium GSM/GPRS/EDGE radio access solutions, including all elements of the Base Station Sub-system (BSS) as well as capacity extension of the Evolium Mobile Switching Centre (MSC).

Alcatel's Evolium multi-standard platform natively integrates all GSM-based mobile technologies, from GSM/GPRS to EDGE, 3G/UMTS and HSDPA, and allows all solutions within one single piece of equipment, to upgrade existing networks. Alcatel solutions are also intended to optimise CAPEX, decrease OPEX and receive a quick return on investment, which SMARTS qualifies as a key factor for any fast-growing operator."

* Alcatel's presence in the Russian Federation has evolved to the extent that its equipment is currently installed in more than 40 cities.

SMARTS, one of Russia's leading mobile operators, was founded in 1991 and offers GSM900/1800 mobile communication services to over 2.6 million subscribers. Its current network covers 16 regions of Russia.

More Information:  www.smarts.ru and www.alcatel.com