SMSC Ordered for Iraqi Network

LogicaCMG says that it has been chosen to provide an all-IP Next Generation Messaging architecture, which includes a SMSC to Asia Cell Telecommunications, one of the three service providers to be awarded a GSM licence in Iraq. Asia Cell will deploy LogicaCMG's messaging infrastructure enabling it to offer high quality messaging services, starting with SMS, as it launches its GSM services.

LogicaCMG won the contract after being selected by Siemens Mobile Networks.

In the future, the Next Generation Messaging architecture will also allow Asia Cell to seamlessly incorporate other, rich and highly interactive messaging services such as MMS, Instant Messaging and TV voting.

Bhanu Sud, Director and General Manager, LogicaCMG Wireless Networks, Middle East & North Africa, said: "With the current marketing penetration of mobile phones at almost zero, Iraq is set to be the fastest growing market in the Middle East as it's infrastructure is rebuilt. We are confident that Asia Cell and its subscribers will benefit from the world class messaging solution being implemented. We welcome our role working with Siemens Mobile Networks and Asia Cell to play a part in providing mobile communications to Iraq."

Ziad Shatara, CEO of Asia Cell, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded one of the three GSM licenses available in Iraq. By working with leading service providers such as LogicaCMG and Siemens Mobile Networks we are confident that we will be able to meet the Coalition Provisional Authority's challenging deadlines and bring Iraq's mobile infrastructure online. LogicaCMG has provided us with a cost effective Next Generation Messaging solution and a focused approach to support our ambitions in Iraq. We now will be able to provide the best possible services for our subscribers."

Posted to the site on 6th January 2004