The number of 2G, 3G and 4G mobile subscribers is forecasted to reach seven billion by 2015, as there has been an exponential increase in the use of smartphones and mobile access to the Internet. Consequently, adoption of network technology, such as 4G/LTE (News - Alert) that can reduce latency and improve efficiencies, is the need of the hour.
In one of the reports by market research firm Infonetics Research, 2G/3G/4G (LTE and WiMAX (News - Alert)) Infrastructure and Subscribers, it was indicated that the 4G infrastructure market might hit $16 billion by 2015 driven by LTE and WiMAX investments, while Ericsson is considered one of the top LTE infrastructure vendors, followed by Alcatel-Lucent (News - Alert) and Nokia Siemens Networks.
In this regard, Batelco, a mobile services provider in Bahrain, joined hands with Ericsson (News - Alert) for deploying its 4G/LTE network.
As a telecom group operating in six countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Batelco reported net profits of $160 million in 2012, down 24.6 percent compared to the previous year’s profits. The decreased revenue is due to hyper competition prevailing in Bahrain. As a result, 4G launch is vital for Batelco.
For Batelco’s 4G/LTE network deployment, Ericsson will supply its LTE radio access network and Evolved Packet Core portfolio. This LTE solution will enable Batelco to offer better connectivity and customer experience.
Minimizing capital expenditure and ensuring a smooth migration to the new core network architecture, Ericsson’s Evolved Packet Core portfolio includes mobile packet gateway (GGSN-MPG), converged packet gateway (CPG), mobility management entity (SGSN-MME) and service-aware policy controller (SAPC).
In addition, Ericsson will also help Batelco upgrade to the circuit-switched core and operations support system to support the new 4G/LTE services.
Rashid Abdullah, CEO of Batelco Bahrain, said in a statement, “Our subscribers have become accustomed to the best in telecommunication services and as their demands grow and evolve, so does our strategy to ensure their satisfaction.”
Victoria Strand, president and head of Ericsson Gulf Council Countries & Pakistan, said, “The widespread use of smartphones, coupled with mobile access to the Internet has emphasized the need for network technology to reduce latency and improve efficiencies by the adoption of new technologies, such as 4G/LTE.”
Recently,
Batelco signed a three-year network services support agreement with Ericsson at Mobile World Congress (News - Alert).
Edited by Rachel Ramsey