Business Weekly - Cambridge, UK

The deal is for the Azure Fraud Control System version 3.5 (AFCS v3.5). Launched in March, it is the latest version of Azure’s fraud-detection system and bureau service, developed to help combat the annual $37.9 billion problem of telecoms fraud worldwide.

Norbert Holst, sales director, Central and Eastern Europe at Azure Solutions said: “Working with Astelit gives Azure a great opportunity to expand its presence in Eastern Europe.”

AFCS v3.5 uses intelligent and unique detection technology, and accepts multiple data feeds to allow all types of product or service to be monitored (fixed, mobile, interconnect, IP etc).

Astelit has so far attracted 3.25 million subscribers in Ukraine; its network covers 70 per cent of Ukraine’s population.

• Telenor Pakistan is to implement Azure Interc-onnect version 9.0 for its GSM services and upgrade its existing Azure Intercon-nect system for its long distance international (LDI) services.

Telenor acquired a license for providing GSM services in Pakistan in April 2004 and commercially launched services in Islamabad, Rawl-pindi and Karachi in March 2005. Its GSM mobile network is now available in 286 destinations and is the fastest growing network in Pakistan.

Azure recently ann-ounced that it is to merge with India’s Subex Systems in a £78.65m deal which will create Subex Azure Ltd, the world’s largest vendor in the telecoms revenue maximisation market.

Azure says that the merger is due to be completed this month.