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Warid Telecom awards GSM contract to Ericsson in Bangladesh(Hugin Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERICY) has been chosen by Warid Telecommunications Pvt. Ltd. to build its GSM/GPRS network in Bangladesh. Ericsson will supply the complete core and transmission equipment for Warid's network, as well part of the radio network equipment. The contract also includes Ericsson's Mobile Softwitch Solution and Media Gateway, which will provide Warid Telecom with significant savings through an efficient and flexible layered architecture design. The implementation of Ericsson's Mobile Softswitch is a significant first step for an efficient evolution towards all-IP. By complementing the mobile softswitch and IP infrastructure with a standardized service environment, Warid Telecom will be able to offer a wide range of new and differentiating multimedia services to its customers. Chief Executive Officer of Warid International, Bashir A Tahir, says: "Warid Telecom is pleased to partner yet again with Ericsson. We have built a best-in-class network in Pakistan with Ericsson, and we have the same ambition here. For us to build a strong market leadership in Bangladesh, it is vital that we have a partner who does not only have a strong technology roadmap and global experience, but also a strong local presence, proven track record and a long-term commitment to this country". "Although we are a late entrant, Warid Telecom has an aggressive build plan that will see us reach the entire Bangladesh population within one year. We will also ensure that we offer our Bangladesh customers a wide range of differentiating services that will add value to their lives, as well as redefine customer service in the country," he adds. Tahir also said that Warid Telecom's Core network, which will be based on a layered architecture, will offer Warid Telecom the opportunity to utilize network resources for next-generation services in the most cost efficient way, while continuing to benefit from traditional voice services. "It will lay the foundation for a future-proof network that will support the evolution towards real-time voice and multimedia communications over IP," he adds. Jan Signell, President of Ericsson South East Asia, says: "Ericsson is proud and honoured to be chosen by Warid Telecom for its Greenfield network in Bangladesh. This is further testimony to our existing strong relationship and we look forward to supporting Warid in repeating its success in Pakistan here." Ericsson is also a partner to Warid Telecom in Pakistan, having built its GSM network there under a managed services contract. The network currently supports more than two million customers. Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communications through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world. Read more at http://www.ericsson.com FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Ericsson Media Relations Phone: +46 8 7196992 E-mail: [email protected] About Warid Telecommunications Warid Telecom is owned by the Abu Dhabi Group which is led by His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan. Apart from having a substantial shareholding in Bank Alfalah and United Bank Limited, the Abu Dhabi Group also has other international investments in the telecommunications, Finance, hospitality, Property, Oil exploration & supplies, and automobile industries. |