3G Swap of Telenor started

We have earlier disclosed that Telenor is looking forward to 3G deployment in Pakistan. This time we have got this news that Telenor has actually started the swap process (2G to 3G) of the cell sites in Punjab region.

Telenor has given this project to a third-party operator who is busy in analysis and deployment these days. The project is scheduled to end in 2 years.

Expect more details in coming weeks.

Telenor is taking advantage of the time till they get the license. Now, its up to PTA to start the 3G license on time.

It maybe recalled that 3G license auction was scheduled in March 2009, however, due to several reasons (discussed here) the process has been delayed.


  • Its really a very good news. Now its upto pta to give 3g licence to telenor as soon as possible.

  • Thats truly a brilliant news for users like me with high usage of cell data services.

    and good thing for me since I switched to Telenor Postpaid recently.

    Looking forward to it.

  • but telenor 3g will b useless as there edge service because they not offering any data package…hope zong will b launch 3g soon

  • Even though I’m eagerly waiting for 3G, it would be all for nothing if they don’t offer at least HSDPA @ 3.6Mbps.

    Plus if they don’t offer any good data plans, then it would be a waste of money.

  • First of all telenor should take care of 2G they are not handling current network with pathic quality what they can get from 3G with poor data quality

  • Who said Telenor is not offering any Data packages. Please check Telenor’s Weblounge.

  • onces again telenor come first in 3G. so i think other companies will also move forward and try to get the licence from PTA…

  • Telenor is only swapping its existing base stations with new ones. They recently signed a new deal with NSN for this project as i read someplace online. Old BTS equipment out and new equipment in since the new equipment consumes two thirds less power, so say old equipment consumed 1500W and the new might consume close to 500W only (not real world figures, for illustration only).

    It so happens that all equipment produced by vendors is also 3G capable these days and this does not mean that 3G is being installed! For 3G you need a govt. license, new radio’s to be installed at sites, plus software licenses from the vendors for enabling the 3G parts of the new equipment being installed.

    This equipment swap is a routine process for all operators. Mobilink a while ago was swapping its BTS’es too and i am sure they are 3G CAPABLE too no big deal there.

  • This is All rumors, stories turned into flying beleif.

    There cannot be 3G Service unless there is spectrum issues by PTA, the Spectrum has not been auctioned/sold/issued to any operators as of yet, so how can the operators start rolling-out 3G installation. From what I hear, all operators did test and trials from difference vendors, which are NSN, Alcatel/Ericsson, Huawei and ZTE in. The operators sourced time limited 3g Spectrum from PTA for performing test and trials for 3G Services. Nothing got swapped, but existing sites were added 3G capability.

    Field tests were executed and then on expiration of the time-limited allocation of 3G spectrum to operators, the equipment was dismantled.

    So as of today, none of the carriers has a authorization to offer 3G services in Pakistan, left alone the concept of a carrier already upgrading their network to 3G.

      • Aamir,

        Having a contract and awarding a contract does not mean that its happening now, Which is said in the initial post.

        “We have earlier disclosed that Telenor is looking forward to 3G deployment in Pakistan. This time we have got this news that Telenor has actually started the swap process (2G to 3G) of the cell sites in Punjab region.”

        Maybe Telenor wants to get into 3G market as the 1st player. But I stick to my opinion, none of the operators can offer 3g Services unless there is spectrum/freq issued by PTA to each participating operator. I will tell you that the 3G spectrum auction is in limbo, and it aint going anywhere !!!!

  • Hi,

    Telenor is only replacing the Siemens BTS with Nokia Flexi BTS, this project is 2G Swap Project not 3G. About 1600 sites are going to replace and about 1000 sites have been replaced in Multan Region. NSN is executing the project. After the swap of central region it may be possible that Telenor also replace the BTS in south and north region.

    No company can invest a large amount without 3G license.

  • plz lounch 3G network aik baat kheta hun pta nai hum kab agy aien gy ap dekh lo india main 3.5G ur 4G start ho gya hai but mary apny pakistan main abi tak 2G hai meri telenor sy guzarash hai plz plz 3G lounch kar daien tak hum b tarki pazeer countery main aa jaien aik ur baat khun ga charges etny rakhna k aam admi b use kar saky india main only 98Rs main 4GB ur 150Rs main unlimetad so plz telenor ap b khyal rakhna ya na ho 3G lounch kar do ur raet etny hun k banda sirf soch hi saky ptcl ki tara ptcl ko dekho 3G umlimted Rs3000 par month tak sirf banda soch hi saky so plz telenar asa mat karna umeed karta hun meri request par nazar sani ho gi ur jald telenor 2G sy 3G par ho ga bara intzar hai kab pakistan main 3G ay ga

  • First of all telenor should take care of 2G they are not handling current network with pathic quality what they can get from 3G with poor data quality


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