Nokia's network will enable Alfa to offer it offer its subscribers significantly higher download speeds of up to 262.5Mbps for accessing high-definition video and other data-intensive applications.
"With the unprecedented surge in data traffic over the Alfa network to 15,000 terabytes per year, the deployment of 4G LTE-A across Lebanon will not only advance the quality of our 4G network but will also help us quickly move toward next-generation technologies like 5G, which is a top priority for us to maintain our technology innovation leadership,” said Marwan Hayek, chairman and CEO of Alfa.
Nokia’s carrier aggregation technology combines two frequencies in order to significantly improve throughput and spectral efficiency. For Alfa, Nokia combined 20MHz on the 1800MHz frequency band with 15MHz on the 800MHz band.
Roger Ghorayeb, Nokia's customer team head for growth in the west of the Middle East, added: "This deployment lets Alfa provide a high-quality enhanced mobile broadband experience over its LTE network. We are excited about the foundation this builds for Nokia and Alfa, and the opportunities for future work with our partner as it evolves its network for 5G and IoT capabilities in smart Lebanese cities."
The news comes after Ericsson and Nokia both won contracts in March to upgrade the Lebanese operator to 4.5G technology and to work towards 5G.
Alfa plans to install its first 5G site in Lebanon in 2018.
