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Deal to upgrade the 2G and 3G radio access network will enable Kuwait’s Wataniya Telecom to meet the increased demand for mobile data
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Wataniya Telecom subscribers will benefit from higher connectivity speeds and enriched multimedia services
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With the new contract – which represents the largest Ericsson has signed to date in Kuwait – Ericsson will expand its relationship with Wataniya Telecom
Wataniya Telecom, Kuwait’s leading mobile telecommunications operator and Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC, news, filings) today announced an agreement that will see Ericsson transform Wataniya Telecom’s network with an upgraded radio access network. This will allow higher network speeds and meet the growing demand for 3G services and strengthen the ongoing partnership between the two.
The transformation will also accelerate the delivery of rich, advanced voice, data and multimedia services to its subscribers and prepare the network for future mobile-data growth created by the strong uptake of smartphones and other handheld data-enabled devices.
Bassam Hannoun, CEO, Wataniya Telecom, said: “Wataniya has always been a customer-driven company that provides product and service excellence. We have also been a driving force in mobile penetration growth in Kuwait and are always looking for innovative ways to enhance our subscribers’ experience. Ericsson is a long standing and trusted partner for Wataniya and we are certain that together we will continue to offer the best possible customer experience to our subscribers.”
With the new contract – which represents the largest Ericsson has signed to date in Kuwait – the company will expand its relationship with Wataniya Telecom by transforming existing 2G and 3G networks, as well as adding WCDMA/HSPA capability on 900MHz and LTE capability on the 1800MHz band.
Anders Lindblad, President of Ericsson Region Middle East, said: “By transforming the network with Ericsson’s latest technology and innovation, Wataniya is demonstrating how simple it is for operators to upgrade their existing infrastructure effectively, while continuing to deliver the best customer experience. This latest cooperation strengthens our partnership with Wataniya Telecom and enables us to work together towards the development of a networked society in Kuwait.”
Under this contract, Ericsson will also provide optimization services, O&M support services, spare parts management, customer support and training.
Ericsson has established a successful relationship with Wataniya Telecom over the past few years, as the operator has worked with the company on a number of partnerships. These include a network-wide upgrade to the company’s GSM infrastructure and an upgrade to the telecom operator’s charging and billing system.
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