Nokia to supply Iraq network

Nokia has negotiated an agreement with Future Communications Company International (FCCI) to supply GSM core network equipment to Iraq start-up cellco Atheer Telecom. Atheer, owned by a consortium led by Kuwaiti cellco MTC, was awarded a two-year GSM licence for services in southern Iraq last autumn and is aiming to roll out its network by mid-2004. Under the agreement FCCI will be providing a full Nokia core network including its Connect MSC switch and GSM solution, to the cellco.