• Batelco has awarded Ericsson an expansion contract for its LTE and WCDMA network in Bahrain
• The scope of the contract will help Batelco increase its coverage and further improve the mobile broadband experience for its subscribers
• Support for LTE roaming is introduced by means of the new Ericsson Diameter Signaling Controller

Batelco, Bahrain leading communications provider, has selected Ericsson as the sole supplier for its LTE and WCDMA expansion plans in Bahrain. The network will be expanded to cover new areas in the country, and upgraded to provide faster mobile broadband connections for subscribers. This means that Batelco will be able to offer enhanced cloud and multimedia services to a larger part of the population.

“Consumers will benefit from the upgraded mobile broadband network and have access to the Internet at speeds of up to 150 megabits per second. We are confident that with Ericsson innovative technology, we will provide the best user experience for our subscribers,” said Rashid Abdulla, Chief Executive Officer, Batelco.

Ericsson will install LTE base stations in the new areas and upgrade the Evolved Packet Core network. Support for LTE roaming is also introduced by means of the new Ericsson Diameter Signalling Controller, which helps operators manage roaming relations while improving service reliability and network security.

“The successful partnership between Batelco and Ericsson started more than two decades ago. Batelco continues to expand their network for exponential data growth, and we have once again been trusted to help them deliver a superior mobile-broadband experience to their subscribers,” said Anders Lindblad, President of Ericsson Region Middle East.

The LTE and WCDMA network deal between Batelco and Ericsson marks another milestone in the long-standing relationship between the two companies.