Ericsson signs agreement to expand Etisalat Misr's GSM/WCDMA/HSPA network in Egypt.

 

The agreement further strengthens Ericsson's position as the leading supplier of telecom-grade next-generation networks enabling Etisalat Egypt to be a leading operator in technology and innovative services such as mobile broadband in the region. This expansion brings Etisalat Misr's total investment with Ericsson equipment and services to more than EUR 200 million to date.

 

Under the agreement Ericsson will deliver a complete turnkey buildout of the mobile network,

including GSM and WCDMA/HSPA radio access equipment, microwave transmission and a core

network including Mobile Softswitch, and is also contracted to expand the Convergent Charging and Billing solution. The turnkey solution includes site acquisition, civil works, supply, installation,

testing, commissioning and integration services.

 

This further enhances Etisalat Misr as one of the first operators in Northern Africa to deploy GSM

and WCDMA/HSPA technologies in its network, providing the highest capacity and data rates for

new user applications, powered by Ericsson's equipment and solutions.

 

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.

 

Saleh El Abdooli, CEO of Etisalat Misr, says: "Our latest agreement with Ericsson, one of the world's top suppliers of telecom solutions, is yet another major step forward in aligning the interests of the operator and the vendor partner. The initiative will substantially strengthen Etisalat's leadership position as a provider of high-tech telecom services to its customers."

 

Björn Hemstad, Chairman of Ericsson's Central Europe Middle East and Africa (CEMA) Region, says: "We are honored to be selected as Etisalat's main partner in Egypt. With Ericsson's long-term close cooperation with Etisalat and our leading technology and solution skills, we are dedicated to supporting Etisalat in building a mobile network for the future, ensuring a clear competitive edge in the market. This contract is 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."