Nokia Wins Bahrain Contract

Future Communications Company (FCC), a re-seller of Nokia network solutions in Kuwait and Bahrain, has been chosen to build a GSM/EDGE WCDMA radio-access network for MTC-Vodafone in Bahrain. This will be the first implementation of an EDGE/WCDMA network in the Middle East. After implementation began in August, the first GSM call was made on 1st of September.

In addition, MTC Vodafone recently conducted the first EDGE call in the Middle East.

"The MTC Group of Companies has a long history and strong relationship with FCC and Nokia and I am very proud that we have been able to make a mark in the history books on behalf of the Government and people of Bahrain by bringing the best and latest technologies to the Middle East and their country first," said Dr. Saad Al Barrak, MTC-Vodafone's Director General.

"We are very pleased to be closely involved in such a key milestone in this important region," says Jussi Ware, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Nokia Networks. "The network in Bahrain will be a showcase for the entire Middle East, demonstrating the benefits of EDGE and WCDMA 3G services. The live EDGE call that MTC-Vodafone has preformed is a powerful example of the high-speed advanced services that MTC-Vodafone will be able to offer its customers."

Under the agreement, FCC will deliver and implement a complete Nokia radio-access network, including GSM/EDGE/WCDMA base stations, base station controllers and other network equipment, plus operational support services. FCC will carry out the network implementation and integration, supported by Nokia."

Posted to the site on 30th October 2003