Mobilink and AWAL Telecom have entered into an agreement with which Mobilink rollout plans will take advantage of AWAL Telecom’s diverse network infrastructure.
The multi-year deal is centered on AWAL Telecom’s build-to-suit model, which will allow Mobilink to reduce both operating costs and capital expenditure while providing service to new customers who have yet to be able to experience the benefits of cellular coverage.
This is one of the first of this type of contract to be signed in Pakistan between a tower company and a mobile network operator.
The large, existing coverage of Mobilink’s tower portfolio combined with the ability and know-how of AWAL Telecom to provide Mobilink with additional coverage in the unserved and underserved areas will create a solid platform for future evolution and will enable Mobilink to focus on providing innovative and reliable services.
“We are pleased to conclude the agreement with AWAL Telecom,” said Executive Management of Mobilink. “The partnership will enable us to expand our network in particular in remote/rural areas, helping us achieve our ambition to provide all the Pakistani population with the best network coverage and high-quality services. This agreement is an important milestone in the Company’s efforts to control operating costs while adding a larger footprint for our services”
Marius Armeanca, Managing Partner of AWAL’s Investing Company, said: “We are excited to be working in partnership with Mobilink Pakistan. AWAL Telecom’s expertise in tower management and commitment to top quality service will allow Mobilink to focus on providing innovative mobile services and expanding its subscriber base. At the same time, our ownership and management of the telecoms passive infrastructure will ensure that Mobilink network is continually enhanced and expanded, whilst maintaining low operating costs for the mobile operator.”
Akbar Shaukat, the CEO of AWAL Telecom, said : “The agreement with Mobilink represents an important milestone and sets up favorable premises for consolidation of the existing industry tower portfolio and the development of the build-to-suit model that Awal Telecom has initiated in Pakistan” .
Present to the event, Dr. Ismail Shah, Chairman PTA, suggests infrastructure sharing and encourages the fast implementation of concepts that drive to an effective site sharing industry wide.
Licensing AWAL Telecom to build passive tower infrastructure represents one of PTA’s many efforts in this context. PTA has also actively supported and encouraged AWAL Telecom to build a site base that is to be shared on a non-discriminatory basis with all operators in Pakistan.