MTC Bahrain set to launch WiMAX service

[abdulla]

Originally Posted by TradeArabia.com

MTC Vodafone (Bahrain) has announced that key network installations are almost in place to enable it to launch its WiMAX service in September.
The company’s Kingdom-wide WiMax network is presently being installed by the systems providers with whom MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) has signed technical support agreements.
MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain)’s chief operating officer Dr Ahmed Al-Shatti said
Intracom Middle East, which is the leading System Integrator for WiMAX, IP and OSS/BSS technologies in the Gulf region, will deliver a turn-key ISP network employing WiMAX access technology to enable portable, fixed and nomadic voice and data services over the air.
Intracom Middle East has been involved in the evolution of WiMAX since its very first steps.
“Over the past few years, it has been investing both in developing technical expertise, as well as its service delivery capability in order to be able to play a leading role in the deployment of the WiMAX technology and its full integration with the current and Next Generation Networks of our customers,” said Al-Shatti.
Intracom Middle East will integrate MTC Vodafone’s existing OSS/BSS system to support the new WiMAX services. And the execution of the project will be conducted using cutting edge technologies provided by Cisco Systems for the ISP Network, Redline Communications for WiMAX access and billing from ITS.
Also, Nera Networks are responsible for the installation of an advanced IP-based microwave transmission network that will be instrumental in providing the reach of the WiMAX service to all parts of the kingdom.
“We are at the threshold of a major technological breakthrough when our Kingdom-wide WiMAX network comes online next month,” said Dr Al-Shatti. “Our coverage of the entire Kingdom in one move, will once again push the boundaries of telecommunications technology and put Bahrain on the global telecoms map as the first country in the world to have nationwide WiMAX coverage providing broadband and telephony services.”
“Ahead of this exciting technological breakthrough, MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) has also become a member of the industry-led, not-for-profit WiMAX Forum. This organization governs the standardization of the WiMAX technology thereby providing the telecommunications industry with the quality framework against which to measure and shape its WiMAX services.
”MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain)’s WiMAX service will deliver full telecommunication services for customers – fixed voice and video telephony, PABX, Broadband internet and IP-VPN services – replacing the reliance on traditional wired technology,” said the company’s WiMAX project director Esam Zainal.
“All the services will also enjoy the nomadic feature, which in practical terms enables customers to easily take the service and the telephone number with them when shifting house or office, or browse the Internet on any internet-enabled mobile device anywhere within the WiMAX network area, without a wired connection.“
Zainal added: “The cost of these services will be very competitive with the costs offered by other telecom and internet providers in Bahrain. The added value for the customer will be wireless nomadic operation - eliminating the need for a fixed line to subscribe to high-speed internet service - and short installation time as compared to wireline due to wireless technology. All that will be backed up by MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain)'s 24-hour customer care center offering an immediate response to all enquiries.”
The technology provides wireless data over long distances in a variety of different ways. It uses point-to-multipoint and point-to-point links to utilise its full mobile cellular type access, thus allowing the delivery of what is often referred to as the 'last mile' wireless broadband access as an alternative to cable and ADSL, without the long waiting time for underground cables to be laid.
“The WiMAX service is instrumental in our aim to offer both business and residential customers the capability to work and play whenever and wherever they wish. This is fast becoming a prerequisite of our modern lifestyles,” Dr Al-Shatti said.

source: Business and Trade News