Telstra the first foreign company to sign international roaming agreement with Vietnam
SAN FRANCISCO - Telstra's long-standing relationship with Vietnam took
another major step forward this weekend with the signing of the
first of two GSM international roaming agreements.
The agreement signed in Hanoi on Saturday is with the
Vietnamese mobile operator GPC for its Vinaphone network.
A second is expected to be signed on Monday with mobile
operator VMS for its Mobifone network.
Both companies are owned by the Vietnam national carrier
Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications (VNPT).
Under the new international roaming arrangements, Vietnamese
customers of the two local companies can use their mobile
phones when visiting Australia without having to change their
SIM card or phone number. Telstra's Australian customers will
enjoy the same facilities in Vietnam.
Calls will be charged at local and IDD rates applicable in the
country where the call is made, plus a surcharge to each call by
the local network of up to 15% and a surcharge of 20% by the
home network. Customers will receive the bill in their own
country from their local operator.
The new service is expected to be launched in October.
Mr. Daryll Smith, Telstra's President Asia-Pacific, said the
international roaming agreements were a logical evolution in
Telstra's 13-year partnership with VNPT.
"We were the first foreign telecommunications company to
make a commitment here and we are proud of our contribution
in developing a world class international telecommunications
network," he said.
"As telecommunications increasingly moves towards a `wireless'
future, international roaming is a logical step for VNPT in
expanding services to its customers.
"Telstra is pleased to partner VNPT in this exciting new venture
and looks forward to broadening its cooperation and
contribution into the next century."
Mr. Smith said Telstra had been working with GPC
(Vinaphone) and VMS (Mobifone) for the past 10 months on
the technical details of the roaming arrangements. This had
included extensive technical testing, and exchange of billing
information.
With the Vietnam agreement, Telstra now provides international
roaming for its customers to 67 countries via 102 networks.
About Telstra in Vietnam
Telstra has operated in Vietnam since 1986 and has a Business
Cooperation Contract with the national carrier, Vietnam Posts
and Telecommunications, to modernize the international
telecommunications network.
Telstra has committed to spend up to $US237 million over the
life of the agreement, which has resulted in Vietnam enjoying a
world class international telecommunications network. Telstra
has also trained more than 3,000 Vietnamese
telecommunications professionals.
The company is currently exploring additional opportunities to
partner with VNPT in emerging areas of telecommunications in
Vietnam.
Telstra Corporation Limited is the leading full service carrier in
Australia and a major telecommunications player in the Asia
Pacific region. Drawing on its 50-year involvement in the global
telecommunications industry, Telstra provides expert advice on
worldwide networking to many leading international and
multinational companies. Telstra owns and operates one of the
most technologically advanced networks, offering end-to-end
solutions ranging from broadband, IP, mobile and intelligent
network services to voice and data network hubs, call centers,
and advanced multimedia and e-commerce applications.
Business Wire - September 27, 1999.
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