Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) has launched a large-scale operations to expand and upgrade its 3G and 4G networks along with its advanced and different technologies. The company said it had awarded contracts that reached up to $256 million to leading telecom vendors to execute the expansion and development projects. The expansion projects reflect Mobily's ambitious aims to maintain its leadership in the field of mobile networks by deploying modern and advanced technologies. This has empowered Mobily to own the largest 3G and 4G networks in the MENA, according to a company statement. Ericsson and Huawei, which signed contracts for SR563 million and SR400 million respectively, in addition to a number of other specialized companies will work to implement their plans to expand and upgrade Mobily's 3G and the 3.5G networks that cover about 96 percent of the populated areas across the Kingdom. The new contracts will also enable Mobily to expand its LTE network to provide innovative services to its customers and will assist to maintain operation efficiency as well. "As per the signed contracts, the duration of implementing these huge projects is one year, and we expect to complete all expansion and upgrade operations during the first half of the year," said Mobily CEO Khalid Al-Kaf. These projects will ensure a high level of customers experience through the innovative services that will defiantly enrich the lives of our customers, said Al-Kaf. He said the expansion projects reflect Mobily's GED strategy (growth, efficacy and differentiation) which aims to maintain the company's leadership in the field of data and applications, in addition to enriching the lives of customers. He stressed that Mobily will continue to contribute to develop and expand its infrastructure with the world's latest advanced technologies. The development schemes aim to meet the growth witnessed in the data sector and the demand on the 3G and 4G networks services. Mobily covers more than 96 percent with 3G networks while its LTE network covers more than 33 cities across the Kingdom. Arab News
