Zain Bahrain, a leading telecomoperator, has announced plans to enhance its network coverage footprint which will allow improvements and help meet increasing customer demand, a report said.

The network expansion is part of ongoing efforts to expand 4G LTE coverage using the latest generation of wireless network technology in order to deliver an advanced mobile experience, the company said without specifying how much was being invested, according to the report in the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

"The second phase of the network transformation programme will aim to enhance capacity in the existing base and roll-out new sites across the kingdom," said Zain Bahrain network director Hamad Al Romaihi.

He said the network expansion is expected to result in seamless and stronger connectivity for customers and the company will continue to invest in new technologies and services.

Zain Bahrain, however, did say the plan was a part of a $100 million network transformation programme, started in April last year, and deployed by technology solution provider Ericsson following the signing of a four-year managed services agreement.

Ericsson Bahrain account manager Adel Al Hamms said the network enhancement would allow Zain Bahrain customers to enjoy the maximum possible speed 4G technology could offer .

It would significantly enhanced coverage and data connectivity speeds as a result of the new network, he added.

Zain Bahrain introduced 4G LTE commercially in April last year.

This resulted in an almost instantaneous increase in the amount of data usage on its networks in the country and in a 20 per cent annual rise in data revenues that contributed to the 25 per cent surge in customer base during the year, according to data on the company website.

As of September-end, the company had a customer base of 787,000.

Data revenues (excluding SMS and value added services) represented 30 per cent of overall revenues, which grew by 4 per cent as compared with last year. – TradeArabia News Service