The first cellular network in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is scheduled for opening this quarter. The AMPS-800 system is being built by BESET International, a joint stock company owned by Kazakhstan-based BeSeT and UK-based Wireless Technology Corp. Last May, the joint stock company signed a $33m contract with Motorola Inc, which was selected in a tender of cellular equipment suppliers. The plan consists of two major stages: this year, the first part of the system, capable of supporting 2,500 users, is to be launched in Almaty; from 1994 to 1996, the network in the capital will gradually be expanded in line with demand for service. Similar networks are to be built in 13 regional centres at the same time.
