17 March 2008, Shenzhen, China - ZTE Corporation ("ZTE"), a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, today announced that it has won a tender from Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited ("PTCL"), the  biggest state-owned operator in Pakistan and an affiliate company of multinational carrier Etislat, to build part of the country's largest WDM backbone transmission network. The project, an expansion of the PTCL 400G WDM backbone network also exclusively won by ZTE last year, will involve the deployment of a WDM ring in Quetta and a WDM chain from Rawalpindi to Mensehra.

Upon completion of the two new projects, PTCL will have the most comprehensive WDM backbone network capable of providing the widest range of telecom services in the country.  The network coverage will span up to 6000km running through most of the major cities and regions, carrying more than 60 percent of long haul data, voice, internet and other services in Pakistan.

PTCL is Pakistan's largest fixed-line carrier with the biggest all-optical network in the country.  To address increasing market demand for transmission bandwidth, PTCL commissioned ZTE last year to build a 400G WDM backbone network comprising ultra long-haul (ULH) and large-capacity Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) as well as new-generation Mutliple Service Transport Platform (MSTP) telecom platforms.

The entire network is based on advanced IP over DWDM solution to run PTCL's core IP backbone network using DWDM equipment.  PTCL was very impressed with ZTE's highly efficient deployment expertise and outstanding performance of its network solutions resulting in the company awarding the two new WDM backbone network projects to ZTE.

"It is a great opportunity to again partner with PTCL in developing their two new WDM backbone network projects," says Yang Jun, General Manager of Global Marketing, ZTE Transmission and Power Supply Products.  "In a very competitive telecom market like Pakistan, we manage to provide customized services as well as our professional technical support to PTCL, based on PTLC's business requirements and future growth over the next couple of years."

ZTE's expertise in network deployment has earned the trust of many renowned international carriers. The company helped built large-scale national backbone transmission networks for BSNL India, CableTel Bulgaria, AR Telecom Portugal, MTN Rwanda's MTN, Tunisie Telecom Tunisia, and national WDM/DWDM backbone transmission networks for Paktel Pakistan, GTS Central Europe, and Orbitel Columbia.

To date, over 250 carriers in more than 90 countries worldwide have deployed ZTE's optical network products.

Media Contact:
Margrete Ma
ZTE Corporation
Tel: +86 755 26775207
Email: ma.gaili@zte.com.cn