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Menatelecom signs key 4G accord with HuaweiMANAMA, Jan 22, 2013 (Gulf Daily News - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Menatelecom yesterday signed a contract with Huawei Technologies to deploy its latest 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless network in Bahrain. The deal, part of a $40 million investment programme this year by the telecom group, will give its customers access to one of the most advanced broadband technologies in the world, enabling them to experience broadband speeds in excess of 100Mb in addition to advanced voice services across the kingdom. With Huawei's vast technological experience and progressive capabilities, Menatelecom will be soon breaking new barriers in broadband offerings. Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology solutions provider, has already deployed many of the region's first LTE networks over the past years and has launched a total of 64 commercial LTE networks globally. As part of the agreement with Menatelecom, Huawei will supply full end-to-end solutions based on TDD LTE technology. The contract also covers transmission, core network and CPE mobile broadband terminal and complete managed services for network operation and maintenance. "We feel a great sense of pride when it comes to Menatelecom's achievements," Menatelecom chairman Abdul Razak Jawahery said. "We are the leader in acquiring the latest telecommunication technologies and we will be the first country in the world to launch a nationwide 4G LTE service which is in line with Bahrain's aspiration of being a leader in the telecommunication technology arena," he added. "The Menatelecom's 4G LTE project is a major milestone in Bahrain's investment in telecommunication technology," said Huawei vice-president Middle East Guan Jun. "Our collaboration with Menatelecom is a strategic investment that we believe can bring lasting value to both consumers and enterprises across Bahrain. "Huawei has a thorough understanding of Menatelecom's current needs and its vision for the future, and we are looking forward to working together closely in opening up new opportunities within Bahrain's telecom market," he added. Menatelecom's LTE service will allow residential customers to choose various 4G LTE devices to connect their smartphones, tablets and laptops. Enterprise customers can boost their efficiency and productivity by providing super fast connectivity solutions and advanced business services with unlimited downloads. All of the new services, which should be up and running by June or July, will be monitored by a network operations centre working 24/7, supported by a dedicated business helpdesk. The official contract signing ceremony at Menatelecam headquarters in Seef was attended by Mr Jawahery, Menatelecom vice-chairman Paul Mercer, Mr Jun, Huawei country manager Liu Xiang and Menatelecom executives. Menatelecom is a subsidiary of Kuwait Finance House-Bahrain. ___ (c)2013 the Gulf Daily News (Manama, Bahrain) Visit the Gulf Daily News (Manama, Bahrain) at www.gulf-daily-news.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |