Citycell (Pacific Bangladesh Telecom Limited) introduced the country’s first inter-standard Global Roaming Service, which allows customers to roam in both CDMA and GSM networks of over 450 operators in more than 200 countries around the world. This Global Roaming Service also provides revolutionary satellite coverage even in places where no mobile operator’s network exists. Additionally, the service provides in-flight and maritime coverage enabling customers to use their phones inside airplanes and on ships.
Citycell currently uses CDMA2000 1X technology, an important mobile telephony standard used in various countries including Bangladesh, South-Korea, India, China and large parts of America. Besides its existing roaming services with other CDMA operators, Citycell has now expanded its roaming coverage globally. The CDMA-GSM dual standard roaming service has been facilitated by the inter-standard Roaming Agreement with Vodafone Netherlands. Citycell also recognizes Syniverse Technologies Company (USA), which provides technical solutions on interconnection between networks of different standards.
Citycell’s Global Roaming Removable User Identification Module (RIM) chip card will work in CDMA, GSM and Satellite handsets using the same Citycell mobile number. For roaming in CDMA networks, customers have to use the RIM card in CDMA handsets, and to roam in GSM networks the same RIM card can be used in GSM handsets. ‘World Mode’ or ‘Dual Mode’ handsets which support both types of networks are especially convenient to facilitate the inter-standard roaming service. Similarly, to avail of global satellite, maritime, or in-flight coverage, appropriate handsets are needed. In addition to the extended coverage, the Global Roaming facility also enables Citycell customers to choose among a wider option of networks to avail of the most attractive roaming tariff plans. Further information on the service is available through Citycell’s roaming helpline at 0119ROAMING (01197626464).
In a statement, Citycell’s DGM for Product and Business Development Mr. Ahmed Armaan Siddiqui said, “Citycell has extensive CDMA roaming coverage through bilateral agreements with operators in the USA, Canada, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, and India among others. These are all countries which Bangladeshis frequently travel to. Through the Vodafone Netherlands alliance, customers will now be able to use their Citycell number in GSM networks overseas, almost anywhere in the world including European, Middle Eastern and Asian destinations where CDMA coverage is not available. At present Citycell is the only operator in Bangladesh to offer dual standard roaming services. We are delighted to be able to provide this extended coverage to our customers and thankful to Vodafone and Syniverse for assisting us in launching this highly innovative service.”
Citycell Acting CEO and Head of Consumer Business, Md. Tarikul Hasan launched this Global Roaming Service on January 18, 2009 at a ceremony in Citycell’s Head Office. Citycell’s Head of Marketing Dr. Anand Rajasingham, Head of Operations Support Mr. Kym Goldsworthy, General Manager-Marketing Communications and Branding Ms. Sania Mahmood, Deputy Manager of International Business Sharif Abdullah Faisal along with his team, and other Citycell officials were present at the launching ceremony.
Courtesy: nation.ittefaq.com
