First HSDPA network available in the Middle East and Africa region

Details: Alec Barton; Category: Wireless Networks; 13 February 2006; 13381 views

Wataniya Telecom today opened the first High Speed Downlink Packet Access network in the Middle East and Africa region, thereby making it the first operator in these two areas to offer mobile services beyond 3G.

Wataniya Telecom today opened the first High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) network in the Middle East and Africa region, thereby making it the first operator in these two areas to offer mobile services beyond 3G.

The solution, provided by Nokia, covers Kuwait and enables Wataniya to offer a wide range of services, among which are audio and visual services.

HSDPA is a software upgrade to Nokia WCDMA networks, offering enhanced data speeds. In practice it means that consumers can access the Internet and obtain audio and video services with initial speeds ranging between 1-2 Mb/s. The performance of the Nokia HSDPA solution makes mass-market mobile multimedia possible.

The development follows a supply agreement signed in May 2005, whereby Nokia won a supply agreement from Wataniya that included the delivery of the Nokia HSDPA solution, supported by Nokia NetAct network service and management system, and extensive delivery, integration and care services.

* Commercially launched in December 1999, Wataniya Telecom has brought mobile communications to over 90% of Kuwaitis. It is expanding its presence in the region, serving more than 6.3 million customers. Operations exist in Kuwait , Iraq , Tunisia , Algeria , the Maldives , and Saudi Arabia . quality, designed to cater to the demand of today's discerning customer.