MOSCOW-Yet another Russian regional carrier announced plans to launch a cdma2000 network as the new technology is close to acquiring a federal status in the country.
The Cellular Communications of Bashkortostan (CCB) from the Volga region, which currently operates NMT 450 MHz technology, said it scheduled the commercial launch of the network for the first quarter of 2003.
CCB Director General Vladimir Perepelkin said the carrier plans to install one switchboard and 15 base stations this year. All test trials are to be completed by the end of 2002.
CCB, which has been operating in the republic of Bashkortostan since 1994 and currently has 23,000 clients, has become the third Russian NMT 450 MHz operator to set a deadline for a cdma2000 network launch.
Delta Telecom from St. Petersburg scheduled the commercial launch of its network for November. Moscow Cellular Communications (MCC) is to complete its cdma2000 build in the fourth quarter. Plans to develop a nationwide cdma2000 network were announced by Accord-Tel Company, which holds stakes in 39 of 62 Russian NMT 450 MHz carriers.
