Under the contract, Ericsson will provide  turnkey network design, deployment and integration of a complete GSM/GPRS solution, including supply of core and radio network infrastructure. In providing managed services, Ericsson takes full responsibility for operation and maintenance as well as optimization of Warid's network. Coverage and network build-out will begin immediately and the network is expected to be ready for commercial launch in early 2005.

"In our case, speed-to-market is critical in gaining a competitive edge, and we have chosen Ericsson because it is an ideal partner for us," said Hamid Farooq, CEO of Warid Telecom. "We wanted a partner that had a credible track record in managed services. Ericsson is the key driver in the development and evolution of GSM technologies, as well as the global market leader in the deployment and integration of GSM networks."

"This contract is yet another confirmation of Ericsson's industry leadership in managed services and our ability to accelerate operator growth in high growth markets," said Zibber Mohiuddin, president of Ericsson Pakistan. "We are pleased that Warid selected Ericsson and we are committed to deliver a network of world-class quality so that Warid will be able to meet its customers needs."

"We want Pakistanis to enjoy the benefits of full mobility and enjoy services that will meet their needs and lifestyle," continued Hamid Farooq, CEO of Warid Telecom. "With our GPRS-enabled network, which is upgraded to EDGE easily, we will be able to offer basic data services as well as high-speed multimedia services to our subscribers."

Ericsson is the world's leading GSM supplier, with approximately 40% market share. Ericsson has been instrumental in the creation, development, standardisation, deployment and growth of GSM, the world's most widely deployed mobile standard.