Omantel signs LTE, managed services deal with Ericsson

Ericsson has announced that it has been selected by Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) to build the operator’s Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile broadband network and transform its radio access network (RAN). The agreement marks the start of a new managed services partnership between the two companies, under which Ericsson will help Omantel achieve operational efficiency and improved network quality. ‘Omantel will gain deployment flexibility and simplicity from LTE by providing best in class services to their valued customers,’ commented Ray Hassan, president of Ericsson Gulf Countries, adding: ‘The continuous evolution of Omantel’s network performance demonstrates the strength of our ongoing partnership, and also demonstrates Ericsson’s commitment to deploying high-quality networks for customers using Ericsson’s LTE technology. We will continue to enhance the strategic partnership with Omantel to build an advanced mobile broadband network in Oman.’ According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database, Omantel is the Sultanate’s largest mobile operator by subscribers, with a customer base of 2.44 million at the end of June 2012, compared to sole rival network operator Nawras, which had 1.99 million wireless subscribers at the same date.