Batelco has contracted Ericsson, a world leading provider of telecommunications equipment, for the expansion and modernisation of its radio network.

Batelco launched 21 Mbit/s last month in Bahrain. Under the agreement, Batelco will expand significantly its High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) capability in the network. The HSPA upgrade will enhance the network capacity and functionality needed to deliver customers ‘state of the art’ services and handle the uptake of mobile broadband, enlarge Batelco’s 2G and 3G footprint and ensure cost-effective and reliable network operations.

The advanced technology boosts network capacity and quality, cuts response times for interactive services and increases the performance of mobile broadband. This will enable Batelco to continue satisfying its users by offering the latest high-speed mobile broadband services including mobile internet, video calls and other advanced multimedia services.

“The deal represents a major milestone for the partnership between Ericsson and Batelco because it not only upgrades Batelco’s network but allows us to jointly ensure Batelco’s customers enjoy an unparalleled level of service in Bahrain,” said Ericsson president and head of Customer Unit GCC Ray Hassan.

“We have built a solid relationship with Ericsson over many years and value their technical expertise and experience which ensures the delivery of complex projects in a timely and efficient manner,” added Batelco chief executive Bahrain Gert Rieder.

Ericsson’s solution prepares the network to support multiple radio technologies, such as 2G, 3G and Long Term Evolution (LTE) with one infrastructure protecting the existing investments and by introducing the most advanced family of radio base stations in the industry - RBS 6000. Moreover, the solution provides a commitment for future network growth, traffic take-up and introduction of a suite of new services and capabilities.-TradeArabia News Service