Batelco deploys first LTE Air site with Ericsson
MANAMA, January 25, 2016
Batelco, Bahrain’s leading digital communications solutions provider, has deployed the first LTE Air site in the region in collaboration with leading communications technology company Ericsson.
Both leading organisations regularly team up to deliver world class technology for Batelco’s customers, said a statement.
Ericsson AIR is a solution for mobile communication to meet market requirements for easy to install and maintain mobile towers, it said.
The solution merges two functions into an integrated device including all the units required to provide mobile coverage - Antenna-Integrated-Radio (AIR) solution.
Batelco is implementing the solution in line with its aim to use smaller mobile base towers which are less noticeable, thereby enhancing the environment while also expanding coverage to more areas, said the statement.
In addition to large cells that dominate today, the new mobile towers also use fewer units and fewer interconnections compared to traditional towers, it said.
For operators, that means easy deployment and reduced power consumption which meets Batelco’s strategy toward a greener environment.
Muna Al Hashemi, chief executive officer, Batelco, said: “We are very pleased to be working with Ericsson, our long term partner, to make this Middle East-first deployment a reality.
“For mobile subscribers, the Air base stations, which are compatible with 2G, 3G and 4G networks, can improve coverage in environments that were difficult to reach with traditional mobile towers.”
“The LTE Air delivered by Batelco will allow us to provide coverage where our customers need it, meaning we can maintain high quality service levels at all times and across all locations,” Al Hashemi added.
Rafiah Ibrahim, Ericsson's president - Middle East and Africa, said: “Mobile broadband is now an integral part of our everyday life. Ericsson LTE solution will enable Batelco Bahrain to expand its coverage to more areas while providing more network capacity.” - TradeArabia News Service
