Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

Nakhtel, wireless CDMA operator of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (NAR) does not possess ample opportunities to deploy its own network infrastructure to offer mobile communication services in Azerbaijan, Minister of Communications and High Technologies Ali Abbasov said.

The minister noted that the company has already received the required license for the deployment of a network of the fourth generation (4G) on the territory of the Autonomous Republic in accordance with the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

The company's network is based on CDMA standards. Currently, the operator is preparing to move to a new set of standard of communication (GSM).

According to the minister, mobile services will be provided by the operator mainly in the territory of NAR, nevertheless, a solution to the issue of internal roaming is expected in near future.

This will allow the "Nakhtel" company to expand its activities across Azerbaijan.

At present, Azerbaijan has three mobile operators "Bakcell", "Azercell" and "Azerfon" (brand Nar Mobile).

Nakhtel currently offers wireless communication services in CDMA standard by using the 800-900 MHz frequency band.

Earlier, Spokesman for the Ministry of Communications and High Tech of the NAR Farid Hajiyev commented on Nakhtel's plans for the construction of its own base stations.

He said that the first phase will involve the provision of telecommunications services and the Internet over the base stations of Bakcell, Azercell, and Azerfon mobile operators.

This issue will be resolved with the assistance of the Ministry of Communications and High Tech of Azerbaijan.

Economic expert Gubad Ibadoglu says that a new operator could boost the competition in the market to achieve high quality services.

He said that the fourth mobile operator could drive cut in tariffs if it provides a high quality service.

"The new operator may change tariffs if it succeeds to create healthy rivalry in the market," he said.