Vodacom Picks Siemens for 3G

MUNICH -- The South African mobile operator Vodacom (TKGJ.J) (VOD.L) has chosen Siemens to provide the mobile broadband infrastructure to bring 3G technology to Tanzania. As announced by Vodacom yesterday, Siemens will deliver and install the complete 3G network including HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) technology. The order is part of a $126 million broadband technology roll-out of Vodacom in Tanzania.

Siemens Communications was already responsible for building the 3G network for Vodacom in South Africa. Based on this success and its competitiveness in terms of pricing, availability of expertise and support with future roadmaps, Siemens has now been awarded the contract by Vodacom Tanzania.

"Offering the latest 3G technology to the Tanzanian population is of strategic significance to Vodacom and we are confident that Siemens Communications is the right technology partner of choice to roll out the required infrastructure", said Romeo Kumalo, Managing Director for Vodacom Tanzania.

"Tanzania has taken a momentous technological leap with the announcement by Vodacom Tanzania that it will introduce 3G technology to the market. As such, this development is of considerable importance since it will allow businesses and consumers in Tanzania to get access to the services that are enabled by high speed internet access", said Christoph Caselitz, President of Mobile Networks at Siemens Communications.

Siemens Communications Group