Nokia to provide technology and services for Ooredoo’s 2G, 3G and LTE-A networks
Nokia Networks signed a framework agreement with Qatar-based telecom operator Ooredoo Group to support the operator’s long-term development strategy across its footprint in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia.
Under the five-year contract, Nokia said it’s to provide mobile broadband technologies and professional services for Ooredoo’s 2G, 3G and LTE-Advanced networks. In the renewed agreement, the terms and conditions have been revised to include global best practices in terms of delivery and technology for the benefit of both companies.
The Arab telco is currently offering LTE-A services in Qatar and Kuwait, and LTE in Oman, Tunisia, and the Maldives, in addition to launching the first commercial 3G in Algeria and Myanmar.
“Working with Nokia, Ooredoo has designed and built a range of leading-edge networks that enable us to enrich our customers’ lives,” said Ooredoo Group’s COO Ahmed Al-Derbesti. “This renewed framework agreement is significant, as it covers the delivery of all the latest technologies and support services helping us further enhance our network capacity and coverage.”
In August, Nokia won a deal with Ooredoo Qatar to deploy its small cells in hot spots across the country. The small cells are being deployed to enhance Ooredoo’s 3G and LTE networks for a better customer experience.
Ooredoo provides telecoms services in Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Algeria, Tunisia, Iraq, Palestine, the Maldives, Myanmar and Indonesia.
MTS trials LTE Broadcast in Russia
In other EMEA news, Russian operator MTS said it has carried out the country’s first LTE Broadcast trial using software and equipment provided by Ericsson and Qualcomm.
The LTE Broadcast trial took place at MTS’s office in Nizhny Novgorod, with video distributed from Aachen, Germany, using Ericsson’s end-to-end LTE Broadcast solution. Multiple video feeds were broadcast to devices equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 810 processor, which features its X10 LTE modem.