Ericsson to expand and upgrade mobile network for Warid Telecom in Pakistan
Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) has been selected to expand and upgrade leading Pakistani operator Warid Telecom's GSM/GPRS network. The move will enable Warid to enhance network capacity and quality for its expanding subscriber base.
Under the agreement, Ericsson will supply, install and commission core, radio, microwave and optical-transmission network equipment, and take responsibility for site acquisition and civil works. The contract also includes expansion of Warid's existing Ericsson Mobile Packet Backbone Network (MPBN).
Ericsson will also provide network design and integration services. The equipment supplied under this contract will be managed under an existing agreement for managed services.
Marwan Zawaydeh, CEO of Warid, says: "By boosting our network capacity and quality, we are well-positioned to deliver our customers a richer mobile communications experience. This agreement represents an extension of our strategic partnership with Ericsson and builds upon Ericsson's leading technology, global experience and strong local presence."
Zibber Mohiuddin, Head of Ericsson Pakistan, says: "This contract reflects the strong regional growth of mobile telephony. It also shows Ericsson's ability to support rapidly increasing subscriber numbers and to cater for increased capacity demands."
Ericsson is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. The market leader in 2G and 3G mobile technologies, Ericsson supplies communications services and manages networks that serve more than 185 million subscribers. The company's portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, and broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and developers. The Sony Ericsson joint venture provides consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.
Ericsson is advancing its vision of 'communication for all' through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 70,000 employees generated revenue of USD 27.9 billion (SEK 188 billion) in 2007. Founded in 1876 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on the Stockholm, London and NASDAQ stock exchanges.
For more information, visit www.ericsson.com or www.ericsson.mobi.
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About Warid Telecom
Warid Telecom is the fastest growing GSM mobile company in Pakistan with more than 13 million subscribers in more than 180 cities all over Pakistan. Warid Telecom is owned by the Abu Dhabi Group, led by His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan. Abu Dhabi Group's other successful investments in Pakistan besides Warid Telecom include Bank Alfalah, United Bank Limited, Taavun, Wateen Telecom and Raseen. The group has launched its telecom operations in Bangladesh, Congo-Brazzaville and Uganda. It also has plans to launch services in the Ivory Coast soon. Warid Telecom entered a strategic alliance with Singapore Telecom. Subsequent to this transaction, telecom giant SingTel has acquired a 30-percent equity stake in Warid Telecom. This partnership has been made as part of a strategy to support Warid Telecom's continued growth and to enhance its market position.
About Ericsson Packet Backbone Network solutions
Ericsson is a leading provider of Packet Backbone Networks solutions for both mobile and fixed networks. The solutions provide fully verified and field-proven IP infrastructure for telecom-quality delivery of both circuit-switched voice and packet-switched data services. Ericsson Packet Backbone Network solutions fully support Ericsson's softswitch and IMS deployments, and address key operator issues such as real-time voice performance, telecom-grade availability and security.