Bahrain operator Batelco and Ericsson have inked a contract to enhance its mobile network.

Batelco plans to expand significantly its High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) capability in the network and is getting ready for LTE.

Named as MNE 2010 project, at an investment of BD14.5 million, this project addresses the growing demand for world-class communications services from business customers and consumers in Bahrain.

“Demand for mobile broadband services continues to grow exponentially as it is driven by the increasing use of mobile data cards, smart phones and Blackberries to access the internet, email and download data whilst on the move,” said Batelco Chief Executive Bahrain Gert Rieder.

“Our major objective is to enhance, upgrade and expand our mobile voice & internet network to tackle a number of needs such as providing or enhancing coverage and quality of service in newly developed or remote areas.”

“The MNE 2010 project will ensure a superior network performance for Batelco and also ensure our readiness for LTE (Long Term Evolution), often branded as 4G,” added Mr. Rieder.

The networks will also be capable of handling the much greater throughput of data in real time that’s required to support such services as mobile video streaming and conferencing, web-based applications and services, and the rapid transfer of large files. LTE will have a download data transfer rate of up to 10 times faster that that of 3G.

The Batelco – Ericsson contract was signed by Mr. Rieder and Ericsson President & Head of GCC Countries Ray Hassan at a meeting held at Batelco Headquarters in Hamala recently. A number of Batelco senior executives and management attended the signing ceremony.

“The MNE 2010 project supports Batelco’s commitment in continually enhancing Bahrain’s communications infrastructure. Such financial commitment is a crucial enabler of the Business Friendly Bahrain strategy established by the Economic Development Board in line with the Kingdom’s 2030 vision,” concluded Mr. Rieder.