Nokia wins BOT, 3G contract with Saudi ‘mobily’

Nokia has won a managed services and 3G/HSPA network deal with mobily, a brand of Etihad Etisalat Company (EEC), in Saudi Arabia.

Under the agreement, Nokia will provide as a managed service (build-operate-transfer) network optimization, operation and maintenance, care and hardware services and training. In addition, Nokia will provide installation, commissioning, integration, project management, network planning. The network will be supported by the multi-vendor Nokia NetAct network and service management system.

Nokia will supply its 3G radio and core network technology, including the High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) solution, and UltraSite base station subsystem to help keep the cost of ownership and operation of the network to a minimum, allowing services to be priced competitively. Nokia will also deliver its MSC Server mobile softswitch and IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) for fixed and mobile solution from its Unified Core Networks portfolio to provide mobily with a high capacity and cost-effective means to provide voice and IP-based services. The deliveries have already started and the network should be operational in July.

“We are excited to extend our mobile service offering to fast and high-quality 3G and HSDPA services. Our customers will be able to enjoy fast music downloads and mobile Internet access,” says Abdul aziz Al-Tamami, Chief Operating Officer, mobily.

Nokia estimates the number of mobile subscribers to grow to 3 bln in 2008, and around 80% of this growth will come from fast-growing markets such as Saudi Arabia. Nokia expects that Middle-East and Africa will account for 20% of the next billion subscribers.

Mobily is the official brand name of Etihad Etisalat, the new mobile service provider in Saudi Arabia. The ownership of the company is two-fold: a Saudi ownership, comprising public investors holding 20% of the company, while private investors own a 45% stake. The balance of 35% is owned by the Etisalat of UAE.