Ericsson has won a contract from Alfa, a leading Lebanese mobile operator, for deployment of third-generation mobile communication technology (3G) across its network in the country.

Alfa, which is being managed by Orascom Telecom Holding, said under the contract, Ericsson will be responsible for the upgrade and modernization of the current Alfa mobile network to 3G/ HSPA+ technology, across the country.

The announcement coincides with Alfa’s ongoing efforts to bring latest mobile technologies to users through introducing and delivering new and innovative services, while at the same time, expanding coverage and outreach.

Alfa chairman and CEO Marwan Hayek said, 'With trends in the dynamic telecoms world progressing and evolving day after day, mobile users are not anymore voice centric.'

'Indeed, mobile handsets have become an all-in-one platform enabling users to stay connected with their society either by voice, data, media or social networking. Alfa’s 3G deployment will be tailored to meet specific Lebanese consumers’ needs with better voice quality and a bouquet of tailor made applications and services,' he noted.

Hayek pointed out that since Orascom Telecom took over the management of Alfa, it had embarked on an expansion plan from day one.

'And, once again, we will deliver latest mobile services to our customers through this renewed partnership with Ericsson, the best in class Telecom provider,' he added.

This new Alfa-Ericsson partnership comes to cement further an ongoing and long standing relationship between both parties that has traced over the years a proven track record of delivering successful projects, always on time.

Commenting on the win, Tarek Saadi, president - Ericsson in North Middle East, said: 'We are proud of our deep seeded roots in Lebanon with uninterrupted presence for 60 years. Today we employ here over 300 local engineers, technicians, and support staff.'

'We are very excited about this new deal with Alfa which gives us an opportunity to contribute in bringing mobile broadband,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service