Under the agreement, Ericsson will provide Batelco with EDGE network infrastructure including hardware and software to enable the operator with commercial EDGE readiness throughout its network. It also includes an upgrade of the Multi-media Messaging Service (MMS), Operations Support System (OSS) and network management systems as well as an upgrade to the latest Ericsson network software release. The full network expansion also includes network deployment as well as maintenance support.

"We are proud that Batelco is upgrading their mobile network with Ericsson's EDGE solution," says Sam Saba, Vice President, Ericsson Middle East. "We are working together with Batelco to offer their customers the most advanced mobile services in the market."

"This is a significant step forward for Batelco," says Ian Dench, Batelco's General Manager Marketing. "With the introduction of EDGE technology we will be able to enhance and expand our mobile data services and applications to customers at a time when the market appetite for picture messaging and other data services is growing and the handsets are now available. We continue to build on the long standing relationship between our two companies with this significant move."

The roll-out and deliveries will start in August 2004.