Telkomsel upgrades networks

JAKARTA (JP): Local cellular network operator Telkomsel has awarded U.S.-based telecommunications company Motorola a contract worth US$27 million to upgrade its nationwide GSM900 cellular network.

Telkomsel said the technology provided by Motorola's Network Solutions Sector would help Telkomsel expand its network and services, which the company said it was unable to do over the last two years due to the economic crisis.

Telkomsel, which has operated Motorola's base station system equipment for its cellular services since 1995, plans to deploy 400 new base transceiver stations nationwide in order to increase its subscriber base by at least 600,000 this year. (cst)