Nokia Siemens Wins Iraqi GSM Contract

Zain Iraq has signed up Nokia Siemens Networks in a US$150 million contract to increase capacity while also simplifying and modernizing its existing core network. Nokia Siemens Networks will unify the technologies and bring them under Nokia Siemens Networks portfolio, thus assuming responsibility for Zain IraqÃ's Core, Intelligent Network and Value Added Services elements of the network.

Mr. Ali AL Dahwi, CEO, Zain Iraq, says, "Gearing up to increase our network capacity meant that we first and foremost require a vendor who could integrate the two core networks in operation with us. Given our groupÃ's long term strategic partnership with Nokia Siemens Networks and the personal dedication of the local team, they were in the best position to provide us a stable, reliable country-wide network at a significantly reduced operating expenditure."

With eight million active customers, Zain Iraq was born out of the two most successful mobile operations in Iraq namely MTC Atheer and Iraqna who have been providing a wide range of mobile telephony and data services since early December 2003.

Nokia Siemens Networks will execute the project over a period of 10 - 12 months.

Posted to the site on 13th May 2008