Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) bagged a 2G network contract from Telenor Pakistan towards setting up network in the rural areas of Pakistan. As part of the contract, NSN will supply off-grid BTS systems which can charge on solar power.

“Expanding into rural areas is a challenge, as there is no access to the electricity grid to supply power to base stations. Traditional alternatives, such as diesel generators are neither environmentally-friendly nor cost-efficient,” says Khalid Shahzad, chief technology officer, Telenor Pakistan. “Nokia Siemens Networks not only offers a clean substitute, but will also reduce the cost of running these sites – allowing us to offer affordable communications to users in rural Pakistan.”

NSN will design the network, do solar mapping, site landscape while deploying the network.

“It’s important that we connect the world in such a way that not only maximizes benefits for consumers and businesses, but also ensures the welfare of our planet,” says Saad Waraich, the Pakistan country director for Nokia Siemens Networks. “Providing communications to rural areas will become increasingly important and we believe renewable energy will be the first choice for such installations. In fact, the majority of base station sites installed by us by 2011 will use this form of energy. We are especially proud to partner with Telenor – a definite trend setter for the use of environmental technologies in network expansion.”