Kuwait's mobile operator Wataniya Telecom has signed an agreement with Ericsson to transform its network with an upgraded radio access network. This will allow higher network speeds and meet the growing demand for 3G services.

With the new contract, which represents the largest Ericsson has signed to date in Kuwait, the company will expand its relationship with Wataniya Telecom by transforming existing 2G and 3G networks, as well as adding WCDMA/HSPA capability on 900MHz and LTE capability on the 1800MHz band.

The transformation will also accelerate the delivery of rich, advanced voice, data and multimedia services to its subscribers and prepare the network for future mobile-data growth created by the strong uptake of smartphones and other handheld data-enabled devices. 

Under this contract, Ericsson will also provide optimization services, O&M support services, spare parts management, customer support and training.