Accra, March 1, GNA - Ghana Telecom would soon begin the second phase of its expansion work to extend its network coverage to all parts of the country. The Project, which is being financed with a loan facility Ghana Telecom signed with Alcatel Shanghai Bell Co Ltd, would begin in July this year and is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2006.

Briefing Newsmen in Accra on Tuesday, Mr Yuan Xin, Board Chairman, Alcatel Shanghai, said the Project when completed, would become one of the best telecommunication network in country. Mr Xin, who is in the country as part of his working visit to Africa, called on the management of Ghana Telecom to assess the length of work under the first phase of the 150 million dollar loan agreement signed between Ghana Telecom and Alcatel Shanghai Bell.

The first phase of the project that included the fixing of Alcatel trunk switches to increase network coverage of the Ghana Telecom services within the Accra Metropolis is yet to be completed. The Phase Two would involve expansion works that would include the installation of 250-radio antenna that is targeted to serve about 400,000 mobile phone users.

Mr Xin said the step was meant to augment the Government's technological drive to ensure that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) served as the bedrock of development. He noted that the Ghana Telecom's performance so far was satisfactory and that the necessary steps would be taken to ensure the commencement of the Phase Two. "The management team of Alcatel will further push for the release of additional funds earmarked to expedite work on the Project. He said Alcatel Shanghai would cooperate fully with Ghana Telecom to ensure that the network evolution anticipated all over the country was achieved.

Mr Dickson Oduro Nnyaning, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Telecom, said the Management was working hard to settle all the difference emerging between the company and the other service providers. He said they were optimistic that Alcatel would deliver on time by providing the necessary support for the take off of the Second Phase to ensure that telecommunication services reached every part of the country.