PTCL, Telenor sign MoU for infrastructure sharing

ISLAMABAD: The PTCL has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for infrastructure sharing with Telenor Pakistan.

According to announcement made here on Monday, the PTCL signed an MoU with Telenor Pakistan. This MoU will facilitate Telenor to avail PTCL’s vast network footprint and infrastructure spread nationwide for their rapidly growing 3G subscriber base.

Omar Khalid (EVP Carrier Services & Wholesale, PTCL) and Khurram Ashfaq (CTO, Telenor Pakistan) signed the MoU in a ceremony held at Telenor Pakistan headquarters some days ago which was attended by senior management from both the companies.

In the post 3G/4G regime, cellular operators are foreseeing a steep incline in the data usage patterns of subscribers, hence requiring backhaul for their BTS networks through fiber connectivity.

The aim of backhauling of BTS sites is to ensure readiness for the evolving data market of Pakistan. As per the MoU signed, the PTCL and Telenor Pakistan shall sign a frame agreement, where Telenor shall be utilising PTCL’s technical expertise and extensive experience for fiber infrastructure deployment over a period of five years uptil 2020.

The immediate SOW requires fiber deployment of 900Km approx., which is targeted to be completed in CY 2016. The senior management from the two companies emphasised on the need for closer cooperative ties to provide innovative, cost effective and readily available services for the Pakistani market. This partnership will go a long way in paving a bright future for both the stakeholders involved.

Also present at the occasion from PTCL were Sikander Naqi, (Chief Business Development Officer, PTCL), Saad Warriach (Chief Technical & Information Officer, PTCL) and Telenor side was represented by Espen Brettas Dahle (Chief Financial Officer, Telenor Pakistan). The MoU signed today will strengthen the bond between PTCL and its cellular partners in a cutthroat competitive market.