Enables Alfa to evolve
its network using Nokia's AirScale systems, puts Alfa on evolutionary
path to 5G
- Nokia's 5G-ready AirScale base stations to be deployed in Lebanon for the first time
- Alfa will use Nokia's AirScale equipment to launch VoLTE and LTE-A services
- Alfa subscribers will enjoy better coverage and quality of voice and ultra-broadband services
19 March 2018
Beirut, Lebanon - Alfa,
Lebanon's first mobile operator managed by Orascom Telecom, Media and
Technology, will partner with Nokia on deploying a 3G and
LTE-Advanced Pro network using Nokia AirScale equipment which shall
provide an enhanced voice and mobile broadband experience to Alfa's
subscribers in Lebanon. This is the first deployment of Nokia's
5G-ready AirScale base station in Lebanon.
In addition, the two
companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Mobile World
Congress (MWC) to further evolve Alfa's network by applying the Nokia
AirScale system across 3G, 4G and 5G radio technologies, including
CAT16 use cases.
The MoU also aims to leverage Internet of Things
(IoT), small cells and automation solutions, as well as Nokia's
latest network optimization services, innovations and analytical
tools to pave the way for next-generation mobile broadband services
which Alfa will pioneer in Lebanon.
Under the AirScale
deployment agreement, Alfa will use Nokia's AirScale equipment to
deploy a 3G and LTE-Advanced Pro network, which will enable it to
introduce new services later in 2018, including Voice over LTE
(VoLTE) and LTE-Advanced Pro. It also marks the first time that
Nokia's energy-efficient AirScale technology will be used in Alfa's
networks.
Nokia's AirScale Single
Radio Access Network (SRAN) solution will be used to deploy 3G and
LTE-A Pro. The 4G LTE-A utilizes carrier aggregation technology,
which brings together spectrum from two frequency bands for improved
speed and spectral efficiency. Nokia will combine spectrum from 800
MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands for the implementation of LTE-A for
Alfa.
The deployment will ensure seamless availability of voice
services and align with Alfa's plan to gradually shut down its 2G
network and re-farm the spectrum for LTE services. A host of Nokia
services will ensure a smooth deployment, including project
management, Network Planning and Optimization, Care and training
services.
Marwan Hayek, Chairman
and CEO at Alfa Lebanon, said: "We are delighted to work
with Nokia on this major deployment as part of our aggressive roadmap
to install 500 new 3G, LTE and LTE-A sites before end of
next year and our digital transformation strategy through which we
are eyeing to be among the first operators to commercially launch 5G.
We are confident that Nokia's proven expertise will help us maintain
our leadership position and enable IoT, as well as continue to
provide world-class quality of services to our subscribers."
Roger Ghorayeb, customer
team head for growth in West MEA at Nokia, said: "We are
committed to helping Alfa and other service providers transform their
networks to meet surging demand for mobile data. The introduction of
Nokia's 5G-ready AirScale offering will enable Alfa to prepare for
the launch of next-generation services. It will also help them to
launch services faster, while simultaneously reducing operational
expenditure."
About Alfa
Alfa is
Lebanon's first mobile network, managed by Orascom Telecom, Media and
Technology (OTMT) since 2009. Alfa capitalizes on the vast know-how
and international expertise of its Management and Leadership in order
to deliver quality and professional solutions to the country's mobile
sector.
Technology innovation and being the pioneer operator has been
a constant focus at Alfa since inception, especially in recent years,
introducing the latest global mobile technologies in Lebanon. Alfa
has achieved several milestones as part of this ongoing technology
innovation journey to 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) world.
Among them:
- In 2011, it was the first to launch 3G+ mobile broadband services.
- In 2013, it became the first operator to commercially roll out 4G-LTE services in Lebanon.
- In 2015, it launched the first live 4G+ site in Lebanon.
- In 2016, it was the first to complete a nationwide deployment of the 4G LTE-A (4G+) network.
- Currently, Alfa serves more than 2 million subscribers (75% of them data users), through a state-of-the-art network (2G, 3G+, 4G and 4G+/LTE-A) that covers 99% of Lebanon.
About Orascom Telecom Media and Technology
OTMT is a holding company that has
investments in companies with operations mainly in Egypt, North
Korea, Pakistan, Lebanon and other North African and Middle-Eastern
countries. The activities of OTMT are mainly divided into its GSM,
media and technology and cable businesses.
The GSM activities include
mobile telecommunications operations in Egypt, North Korea and
Lebanon. The media and technology division consists of OT
Ventures/Intouch Communications Service and the OT Ventures Internet
portals and other ventures in Egypt, including LINK Development,
ARPU+ and LINKonLINE. The cable business focuses on the management of
cable networks.
About Nokia
We create
the technology to connect the world. Powered by the research and
innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we serve communications service
providers, governments, large enterprises and consumers, with the
industry's most complete, end-to-end portfolio of products, services
and licensing.
Source: NOKIA
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