Loot in Laos

today announced that it has won three contracts worth $9.3 million with

(LTC), a telecommunication service provider in Laos, to provide wireless, optical and broadband solutions for a new phase of network expansion. These contracts were won through Alcatel Shanghai Bell, Alcatel's Chinese company.

Alcatel's wireless strategy for LTC involves the deployment of GSM including Evolium GSM/GPRS radio and core provisions including base stations, base station controllers, and network sub-systems that will expand network capacity to an estimated 360,000 users.

The project is expected to be completed in October 2005 and will increase Alcatel's share of the GSM market in Laos to 60%.

Alcatel will also expand LTC's optical backbone and metro networks by implementing its Optical Multi-Service Node (OMSN) systems.

Alcatel says the recently launched 1642 Edge Multiplexer Compact will provide LTC with a cost-effective option to enhance connections between the optical backbone network and last-mile metro access points, enabling local enterprises to benefit from enhanced service delivery and accessibility. Alcatel will also upgrade the existing network management system to assist in the monitoring of the new equipment.

Finally, LTC will use the Alcatel 7325 Advanced Services Access Manager remote unit to deliver broadband access services to local government offices and enterprises in the capital and in provinces across the country. Subsequently, LTC will become the biggest operator in Laos to offer high-speed Internet access, advanced web-based applications and file downloads.