Korek Telecom plans investment of $100 million for second phase of expansion (Iraq)
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Korek Telecom one of Iraq’s three nationally-licensed operators, is focused on aggressively expanding coverage nationally. In keeping with this goal, Korek has investment plans of a total of $100 million for the second phase of its expansion. The charted plans aim to increase the subscribers’ base to a total of 4 million with an amount of $300 million over the next few years, to increase network capacity by over 2 million subscribers, and to provide nation-wide coverage.
Ericsson is the prime equipment provider and systems integrator in the expansion plans, which will provide coverage and capacity in the Central and Southern regions of Iraq. Also included is the provision of a microwave based high capacity National Transmission Backbone linking the major regions.
Focusing on Korek’s expansion plans and its partnership with Ericsson, Mr. Sirwan Mustafa President &CEO of Korek Telecom said, “Korek, a 100 per cent Iraqi mobile company, is currently committed to rapid network growth and national expansion. We continue to invest heavily to fulfill our expansion plans. Our focus is to provide the coverage with a high quality of service. With Ericsson as our partner, we will ensure that we have the technical foundation in place to provide our subscribers the best mobile network in the country.”
On his part, Asif Salam, Key Account Manager, Ericsson asserted, “We have made a long term commitment to Iraq and Korek Telecom. Our relationship has evolved over the last five years and the growth has been substantial and we are fully committed to their success.”Stressing on the working relationship between Ericsson and Korek, Tarek Saadi, Head of Account Unit NME, Ericsson, commented: “We are pleased and honored to be Korek’s partner in expanding its network.
This expansion establishes Ericsson on a national scale with Korek and paves a sound foundation for continued growth in the future. We are looking forward to continue our strong long-term relationship.”
A major expansion effort has just been concluded that develops network capacity for the Mosul and Kirkuk regions, in addition to Erbil, Dohuk and Sulaimaniya. Korek Telecom is currently investing in rapidly deploying sites in the Central and Southern regions, with Baghdad and Basra as bases for the expansions. The expansions will provide Korek a firm foundation on which to further continue their aggressive plans for expansion and new services.
About Ericsson
Ericsson is the world’s leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. The market leader in 2G and
3G mobile technologies, Ericsson supplies communications services and manages networks that serve more than 250
million subscribers. The company’s portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, and broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and developers. The Sony Ericsson joint venture provides consumers
with feature-rich personal mobile devices.
Ericsson is advancing its vision of ‘communication for all’ through innovation, technology, and sustainable business
solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 70,000 employees generated revenue of USD 27 billion (SEK 209 billion) in 2008. Founded in 1876 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm and NASDAQ.
For more information, visit www.ericsson.com or www.ericsson.mobi.
