PROTEI Ltd. has carried out network modernisation for Kazakhstan alternative operator JSC Arna (trading as Ducat). In May 2012, PROTEI NGN equipment was successfully deployed in Almaty and four other cities in the republic. The hardware package, which included the imSwitch5 softswitch and mGate.ITG trunk gateways, enabled the operator to launch a complete range of modern telecommunications services. Ever since it began trading in 1993, the target market of JSC Arna has been the business sector, where connection quality and a wide range of additional services are a professional requirement. As a result, the company has always been especially meticulous when selecting hardware. PROTEI solutions are well-known in Kazakhstan, where they have earned a reputation as high-quality, future-proof systems. This factor was instrumental in Arna’s decision to work with PROTEI. In addition to quality, reliability and support for a large number of intelligent services, the requirements stipulated by JSC Arna demanded scalability and flexible adaptation to specific client requirements, as well as prerequisites pertaining to quality and cost of support. The solution tendered by PROTEI Ltd. was the only proposal that met all of the operator’s technical and economical requirements in full. The central hub of the system deployed in Ducat is the imSwitch5 softswitch, installed in Almaty. It provides more than 30 services, including Unified Communication (Voice, Video, IM, Presence). The number of services can be increased with the use of external intelligent network platforms. A unique feature of the softswitch is the integrated SORM system of PROTEI’s own manufacture, which provides lawful intercept capabilities in accordance with government legislation. Currently 5000 subscribers are connected to imSwitch5 services, with plans to increase this number to 10,000. mGate.ITG trunk gateways were installed in four cities around the country to provide all of Ducat’s subscribers with access to NGN services. Subscribers in TDM networks can now access all the new services. The Ducat network modernisation project was rolled out exclusively using PROTEI equipment. The operator migrated its network to IP technology, which has enabled a major increase in the range and quality of services availabe to subscribers and brought about a considerable reduction in network operating costs. The success of the project laid the foundation for further cooperation between JSC Arna and PROTEI Ltd. The operator now plans to use PROTEI equipment to expand its number pool.