Batelco leads the way with Mobile Broadband

Batelco, the leading telecommunications service provider in the Kingdom of Bahrain, joins the rapidly growing list of worldwide operators launching live 3G (3rd Generation) and HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access -- 3.5G) mobile networks, by selecting Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) to enhance their mobile network, thus strengthening their commitment for providing the absolute best mobile end-user experience through continuous innovation and technology leadership.

The project will commence late 2006 with the target of providing nationwide 3G and HSDPA coverage with download speeds up to 14.4 Mbps, in 2007.

Ericsson will deliver the commercial HSDPA System enabling Batelco to mobilise their Broadband Bahrain initiative through the provision of wireless broadband services including a suite of advanced Multimedia solutions. Under the terms of the agreement, Ericsson will provide professional services to assist Batelco in launching and managing their network including a Go-To-Market programme.

Batelco Chief Executive Peter Kaliaropoulos stated that Batelco did not rush into deploying 3G network infrastructure till such time that more handsets were available in the market, significant content and applications were developed and Batelco's own operating needs necessitated a migration to 3G services.

"We have selected to deploy Ericsson's leading edge technology to enable a wide variety of rich value added services; aiming to inform, entertain and serve our customers in transacting for business and interacting with friends and family."

"Mobile Broadband provides fast access to a wide range of new, value added and media rich applications and services. Business users can look forward to high-speed internet access and rapid download of emails with attachments as well as access to audio and video services. Consumers will enjoy full-motion video and advanced multi-player games, rapid downloading of high-resolution digital images and CD quality music downloads," Mr. Kaliaropoulos said.

"Our strategic decision to extend the long-term business partnership with Ericsson over the coming 5 years is based on their unrivalled capabilities in the areas of telecommunication Networks, Services and Multimedia solutions," he added.

"We are proud to be Batelco's partner of choice for mobilising their Broadband Bahrain initiative and look forward to continuing this journey with them into Fixed Mobile Convergence," says Ericsson Bahrain General Manager Johan Lojdquist.

"Ericsson's technology leadership in the HSDPA arena will provide Batelco with the competitive edge to maintain their position as the leading telecommunications services provider in Bahrain," he added.

Batelco, celebrating it's 25th anniversary this year, has been the leading innovator not just in Bahrain but across the Middle East for telecommunications technologies over the past quarter century.

"Our mission is to ensure that Bahrain has the most comprehensive wireless broadband offerings. We aim to continue delivering leading-edge telecommunication mobile and data services to consumers and businesses by adopting relevant new technologies as they become available on the market and making Bahrain a world class ICT hub," concluded Mr. Kaliaropoulos.