Belarussian mobile operator Mobile Digital Communications (MDC), which trades under the brand names Velcom and Privet, has signed a GSM network expansion contract with Siemens Communications. Under the deal, Siemens will supply 160 GSM-900 and GSM-1800 base stations, 1,200 transmitters, and related relay components and SDH transport network gear. The upgrade will enable Velcom to increase network capacity and coverage, and allow for the provision of EDGE in some parts of the country.