NT to switch to IP CDMA network

KATHMANDU, Aug 16: Nepal Telecom (NT) is soon upgrading its CDMA network into an Internet Protocol (IP) CDMA network, which, among others, is expected to significantly improve the quality of voice and data services, and help the telecom giant commence operation of third generation (3G) mobile telephone service. [break]



The wireless CDMA network, which NT has currently laid, is a voice-only network. However, it is providing both voice and data services using this platform. So far, this has not created any problem as only few people are using NT´s CDMA services. But once the number of subscribers go up, congestion-related problems are most likely to bug the quasi-government telephone service provider.



"The IP architecture will help us counter this problem as it will have ample bandwidth," a high-ranking official of NT told myrepublica.com, on condition of anonymity. "This will ensure high-quality voice and data connectivity, regardless of the terrain."



To expedite this process of migrating to an IP network, NT is issuing a public tender notice next week, asking domestic and international telecom equipment suppliers to submit bid documents, the NT source confirmed to myrepublica.com. "The process of upgrading the network will begin soon after the preferred bidder is selected," the source said.



Once the IP infrastructure is installed, NT will also be able to commence 3G mobile service using the CDMA network. Currently, 3G service is also available in GSM network. Conversion to IT network will also simplify network operation, thereby reducing the operating cost of using the CDMA network, the source said.



So far, NT has distributed more than 700,000 CDMA lines throughout the country, of which more than 500,000 have been distributed as cell phone lines and around 180,000 as fixed phone lines. The telecom giant is planning to distribute 260,000 additional CDMA lines this fiscal year, of which around 210,000 will be in the form of prepaid lines and the rest as postpaid lines.



Using the existing CDMA network, NT is also providing data service based on PDSN (Packet Date Serving Node) technology. This service can be accessed using 1x USB modems or PCMCIA cards. NT is soon planning to introduce EVDO -- a service which offers wireless internet service at the speed of up to 2.4Mbps -- using the same network.

Related story

NT to switch off CDMA services