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Nokia Siemens Networks to Build Digital Wireless Network in Saudi Arabia

12:50 am on January 10, 2008 | Category: Business, Cellular, Wireless, Wireless Technology

Networking equipment joint venture, Nokia Siemens Networks, announced earlier this week that it had agreed to build a digital wireless network for Saudi Arabian mobile phone operator, Zain, in a contract valued at about $935 million.

The five-year deal covers operations, support systems, maintenance, and services for the new network, which will make use of both 2G and 3G wireless voice and data technologies. Nokia Siemens will also be the exclusive equipment supplier.

“This deal is one of the most important in Nokia Siemens Networks’ history, and also very strategic for our growth in Africa as Zain is present in more than 14 countries in the region,” commented Walid Moneimne, head of the Finnish-German company’s Middle East and Africa operations.

Nokia Siemens Networks was formed last April, when the networking divisions of Finnish handset giant, Nokia, and German electronics manufacturer, Siemens, were merged into a 50/50 joint venture.

Zain, formerly known as MTC Group, was founded in Kuwait in 1983, and has expanded to become a leading wireless carrier in a number of African and Middle Eastern countries.

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