LogicaCMG Wins Iraqi Contract

LogicaCMG says that it has been chosen to provide an all-IP Next Generation Messaging solution, which includes a Short Messaging Service Centre, to Atheer Telecommunications in southern Iraq. LogicaCMG now supplies Next Generation Messaging to two of the three GSM service providers in Iraq.

LogicaCMG won the contract after intensive work with MTC Kuwait. Atheer Telecommunications, part of the MTC group of companies, one of the largest mobile operators in the Middle East, is a consortium of MTC and DTC.

Khaled Al-Omar, Project Director of Atheer Telecommunications, said: "At present the penetration of mobile handsets and services is low in Iraq. However, the deal with LogicaCMG signals the beginning of an incredible time here. We are going to see significant growth in mobile communications in Iraq over the next few years, as key mobile services are delivered to corporate and individual users through the use of LogicaCMG's technology. The most compelling reason to select LogicaCMG as our key technology provider was its continuing success and its high level of service provision already demonstrated in the Middle East."

Bhanu Sud, Director and General Manager, LogicaCMG Wireless Networks, Middle East & North Africa, said: "We are delighted that we have secured our second deal in Iraq. This country is set to be one of the fastest growing mobile markets as its infrastructure is rebuilt, and I am pleased to say that LogicaCMG is leading the way in messaging. It's a very exciting time as we are here at the inception of mobile services in Iraq, and it's great to extend our relationship with MTC Kuwait in the Middle East; and starting a relationship with Atheer Telecommunications in Iraq."

In October 2003, MTC was selected as managing operator of Atheer Telecoms (Iraq) to deploy the network and mobile services for the community in Southern Iraq. With the formal licence being awarded on the 22nd of December 2003, the Atheer network is expected to become fully operational in the first quarter of 2004."

Posted to the site on 4th March 2004