The Vietnam Telecom Service Company (VNP), which has approximately 21 million subscribers, has contracted the NEC Corp. to deploy approximately 1,000 units of the its PASOLINK NEO ultra compact microwave communications system. VNP is the country’s third largest mobile operator, which began its 3G services in October 2009. The new PASOLINK NEO systems will be used for communications between mobile base stations and base stations for its 3G services.

The system was chosen for its specific features that include its ability to flexibly and inexpensively respond to increasing telecommunications needs. The system enables mobile phone operators to easily introduce software that responds to changing operating conditions such as increasing data capacities and interfaces without installing expensive new hardware.

This new contract with VNP follows on from an order awarded in September 2009 for approximately 4,000 PASOLINK NEO systems from Vietnam's largest mobile operator, Vietnam Mobile Telecom Services Co. It means that NEC provides PASOLINK systems to six out of seven mobile phone operators in Vietnam and has a leading share of more than 70 percent in the country's compact microwave communication systems field. The company aims to continue driving the growth of 3G services with each of Vietnam's mobile phone operators and to further expand its PASOLINK business.