Jan 21 05

Espoo, Finland - Nokia has supported the commercial launch of MTC-Vodafone's 3G WCDMA network in Bahrain - which will be the first nationwide 3G WCDMA network in the Middle East. The network was rolled-out in record time in a joint cooperation with Future Communications Company International (FCCI), Nokia's value-added reseller for networks in the Middle East, and Nokia.

Nokia supplied MTC-Vodafone Bahrain's with the necessary 3G WCDMA radio access network. In August 2003, MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) became the first operator in the Middle East to implement an EDGE/WCDMA network, using Nokia network equipment supplied by FCC. Within one year of the commercial launch of its GSM/EDGE network it gained over 100,000 customers across the Kingdom of Bahrain as announced by MTC-Vodafone recently.

Under an expansion agreement announced in September 2004, FCCI has delivered Nokia WCDMA radio-access network, including WCDMA base stations, Radio Network Controllers and other network equipment, plus operational support services. FCCI also carried out the network implementation and integration, supported by Nokia.

"We are proud to be the pioneer in offering 3G mobile services in the Middle East. Being first to launch a commercial nationwide 3G WCDMA network in the region is thanks to the capability of FCCI and Nokia in rolling-out the network in record time, not to mention the quality of the Nokia solution, " says Khaled Al Farkh, COO, MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain).

"This 3G WCDMA network launch is further evidence that Bahrain is at the forefront of advanced mobile communications in the entire region. The Middle East is of great importance as a rapidly growing market for mobile communications. This network launch is also a proof of Nokia's leading position in 3G WCDMA and MTC-Vodafone's faith in our solutions, " says Dr. Walid Moneimne, Senior Vice President, Networks, EMEA, Nokia.

MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) comes as a result of a Partner Network Agreement between the Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC), a GCC regional company, borne in Kuwait and Vodafone, a global company based in the UK. MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain), having been chosen by Bahrain's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority to develop the 2nd GSM service, launched its services on the 28th of December 2003.

Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) was founded in 1983 and is perhaps one of the oldest mobile service providers in the world. MTC has a reputation for pioneering new services in the Middle East and constantly seeks to forge partnerships with key global companies to bring the best products and services to the region. MTC is considered to be a very successful, customer focused and ambitious company and has aspirations that fit with the Vodafone strategy for global customer services.