The contract Vinaphone signed with Ericsson in late August includes installation and commissioning of the operator’s 3G network in the south of Vietnam. The network, based on the WCDMA/HSPA 2100 MHz standard, will enable Vinaphone to deliver compelling 3G services, such as Mobile Broadband, to customers at speeds of up to 14.4 MBPS. Vinaphone says it is committed to launching 3G services in the Vietnam market this year.

At the contract signing ceremony with Ericsson, Vinaphone deputy director Hoang Trung Hai said, “With Ericsson’s world leading capability in developing and deploying 3G technology across many countries, coupled with their long-standing experience within the Vietnam market, I am confident that the partnership with Ericsson will help Vinaphone bring to mobile users in Vietnam a whole new experience driven by the best quality 3G network.”

On August 26, Vinaphone signed a contract with Motorola Inc to provide 3G services in northern Vietnam.

The contracts with Ericsson and Motorola are part of Vinaphone’s US$1-billion plan to provide the services throughout the country.