Under the agreement Ericsson will optimise, modernise and manage IT operations and Zain’s mobile network in Iraq which includes more than 3,700 sites across the country. The agreement includes Zain’s recent expansion into the northern Iraqi region of Kurdistan, where the company recently launched commercial services.
The agreement with Ericsson has the goal of improving network efficiency, reducing operating costs and optimising Zain’s investment in Iraq. Ericsson will replace and upgrade Zain’s network by introducing a single-RAN (Radio Access Network) platform as well as offering managed services to increase operational efficiency. It is hoped that this will give Zain Iraq the ability to launch and support 3G technology.
“Through this agreement, Zain in Iraq will be better positioned to support the evolution and growth of the Iraqi telecommunication industry.” said Nabeel Bin Salamah, Zain Group CEO “We will do our utmost in ensuring that all Iraqis receive the urgently-needed quality mobile telecommunication services they deserve.
Zains plans to further upgrade its network infrastructure in the coming years to increase its network coverage in the country. The company launched commercial services in Iraq in 2003 and has spent in excess of $4.5 billion in the development of its Iraqi mobile network.
