Ericsson announced telecom network deals with Saudi Telecom Company (STC) and Batelco in the Middle East.
STC said its deal is an extension of its current partnership to transform, expand and upgrade its network in Saudi Arabia.
Announced at the second day at the GITEX 2014, the partnership covers different areas aimed at catering to the high growth demand in Saudi Arabia for video and TV services. One service is to enable the launch of mobile broadband technologies.
STC and Ericsson will collaborate in testing and evolving ICT technologies, with focus on areas of small cells, indoor systems, and software defined networking.
Khaled Biyari, senior vice president for Technology, Operations and IT, STC said: “At STC, we always, seek to offer best experience for customers. Partnering with Ericsson will support us to deliver high quality connectivity both indoors and outdoors while expanding coverage to rural areas in the Kingdom.”
Ericsson will set up an experience center, which will connect between academic knowledge and the ICT industry. It will provide support in building special competencies in LTE, charging system, ESDP (Ericsson service delivery platform) and inventory software.
According to Informa, the number of mobile subscriptions in the Middle East will exceed 350 million in 2016 from 250 million in 2012.
Meanwhile, Batelco signed a new transformation agreement with Ericsson to cover a new network enhancement program. Batelco said the transformation project is part of its strategy to enhance its networks.
As per the transformation project, Ericsson will upgrade Batelco’s 4G network aimed at faster mobile broadband connections for subscribers, superior voice quality, plus a set of new services and offers. In addition, the network will be expanded to cover new areas across the country.
Batelco Group chief executive Alan Whelan, who’s also acting chief executive for the Bahrain operation, and Ericsson’s GCC head Victoria Strand signed the agreement in Dubai.
On Sunday, Ericsson announced its 4G LTE network deal with Warid Telecom of Pakistan which will launch LTE services in five key cities.
Baburajan K
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