Bitel launches 5G tests in Peru
VGP - Peruvian mobile operator Bitel, a subsidiary of Vietnamese state-run telco Viettel, has carried out its first 5G tests in the country on the fifth anniversary of its market entry.
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At the 5G testing event |
Bitel General Director Phan Hoang Viet Anh said the telecoms firm aims to increase its market share from 16.3% at present to 18% by 2020, and will pour more investments to introduce cutting-edge technologies in Peru.
In the first nine months of this year, Bitel’s pre-tax profit exceeded the set target and increased 254% year-on-year.
In May, Bitel won a US$ 27 million contract to provide information and technology infrastructure for 1,837 schools in Peru.
During the five years of operation the country, Bitel grew faster than any other telecom firm, with a network of optical fibre that currently reaches 5,300 3G base stations and 3,400 4G sites in addition to a 35,000km fibre-optic backbone.
Accordingly, Bitel would help the schools improve their services for the education and training sector in Peru. The project includes four packages and would be implemented in 25 cities and provinces in the country.
This is Bitel’s largest project so far. The Bitel-proposed project was evaluated as better than current plans used in the country.
Earlier this month, Viettel announced its plans to roll out 5G technology in Láo by year-end.
Viettel has also been testing 5G in Myanmar and Cambodia through local arms since summer, and in its domestic market since last month, seeking to offer affordable services.
5G networks have been granted licenses for pilots and the service is expected to be commercially deployed in the market by 2020.
This move was an important milestone in Viettel’s aim to make the country one of the first in the world to commercialise 5G services.
By Hoang Ha
