Omantel selects Nokia Siemens to improve coverage and services

Oman Mobile Telecommunications (Omantel), has chosen Nokia Siemens Networks to upgrade 90% of its network, in a deal worth between $80 million and $100 million.

The agreement continues the partnership between the companies, and the vendor will work to improve coverage along Omantel's Long Distance road that runs from North to South of Oman, replacing base stations and core connectivity. In addition, the upgrades - which will take 18 months to complete - will allow the operator to offer EDGE services in the rural areas of the country.

"The homogenisation of the radio network between BidBid and Salalah will increase Omantel's operational efficiency and further increase our competitiveness in the market," said Lars Gustafsson, head of marketing, Omantel.

"In addition, the introduction of EDGE services will support the e-Government initiatives by facilitating the benefits of mobile data services in the rural areas of the country," he continued.

Stefan Sieber, Oman's country director at Nokia Siemens Networks added: "This project shows Nokia Siemens Networks' continued commitment to the partnership with Omantel. We are providing support for Omantel by bringing in more efficiency into the network and allowing new revenue streams, for example, via mobile internet in the rural areas."

Omantel has a 60% market share and boasts almost 1.6 million subscribers. Earlier in the week, the operator posted record first-quarter profits on the back of prepaid and wholesale services. It also promised to offer business customers the fastest broadband service in the region, with the launch of a new 16Mbps ADSL service.

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