" ITREALMS: Etisalat selects Ericsson for mobile expansion

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Thursday, February 28, 2008

Etisalat selects Ericsson for mobile expansion

The Egyptian mobile operator, Etisalat Misr has selected Ericsson for its network expansion.

This follows an agreement recently endorsed between the two companies to boost the mobile broadband in the region, bringing Etisalat Misr’s total investment with Ericsson equipment and services to more than EUR 200 million, about N23.467 million, to date.

The deal according to Head, Corporate and Marketing Communications, Ericsson West Africa, Mr. Olabode Sowunmi Jnr, entails that Ericsson would deliver a complete turnkey build out of the mobile network, including Global System for Mobile (GSM) and Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) cum High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) radio equipment, microwave transmission and a core network consisting Mobile Softswitch.

Also, Ericsson was contracted to expand the convergent charging and billing solution, stressing that the turnkey solution includes site acquisition, civil works, supply, installation, testing, commissioning and integration services.

This, he said, would further enhance Etisalat Misr as one of the first operators in Northern Africa to deploy GSM and WCDMA/HSPA technologies in its network, through highest capacity and data rates for new user applications, powered by Ericsson’s equipment and solutions.

Explaining that Ericsson has had a long-term co-operation with Etisalat, and over the past few years, the partnership between the two companies has been continuously strengthened on the basis of jointly building world-class mobile networks.

Chief executive, Etisalat Misr, Mr. Saleh El Abdooli, the latest agreement with Ericsson, is yet another major steps forward in aligning the interests of the operator and the vendor partner, adding that the initiative will substantially strengthen Etisalat’s leadership position as a provider of high-tech telecom services to its customers.

Chairman, Ericsson’s Central Europe Middle East and Africa (CEMA) Region, Björn Hemstad said his firm is honoured to be selected as Etisalat’s main partner in Egypt.

Assuring that with Ericsson’s long-term close cooperation with Etisalat, “we are dedicated to supporting Etisalat in building a mobile network for the future, ensuring a clear competitive edge in the market,” he said, noting that its a major proof of Ericsson and Etisalat Misr’s strategic partnership.

“The Egyptian market is considered one of the most appealing within the emerging markets, heavily backed up by the government's policies and plans. The support of the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technologies goes in line with government commitment to speeding up the liberalization of the Egyptian marketplace and creating new job opportunities," he said.

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