Sudatel is the incumbent fixed network operator with over 700,000 subscribers whilst MSI has invested in 13 GSM networks in 13 African countries. The initial contract, as part of a strategic framework agreement, includes radio (BSS) and switching (SS) equipment as well as installation and professional services. Mobitel is the only operator in Sudan to offer GSM services.
With this contract, Ericsson will install over 100 BTS sites with an overall capacity of over 400,000 subscribers. With only 170,000 users in Sudan at the present time and a population exceeding 33 million inhabitants, there is substantial potential for new mobile users in the country. Ericsson's GSM solution will enhance Mobitel's coverage and capacity to meet the untapped demand. Implementation will begin immediately, and when completed by the end of the year, the GSM network will allow Mobitel to offer their customers the latest, most advanced services and to further reinforce their leading position in the market.
"We are delighted to have Ericsson as our partner in Sudan. With the substantial demand for mobile services in Sudan and the imminent arrival of competition, Mobitel is very keen to work with a supplier who has demonstrated a track record of good service, prices and leading edge equipment," says Dr. Abdel Aziz Osman, Chairman of Mobitel Board.
This agreement reinforces Ericsson's position as the leading supplier of mobile systems, and our commitment to deliver advanced wireless services to Africa.
"We are very pleased to become Mobitel's partner and bring the latest GSM services to the rapidly growing GSM audience in Sudan. The contract is also an important milestone in our strong, long-term relationship with MSI Cellular, one of the leading pan-African operators. This also represents a considerable and inspiring step for the Northern African market," says Mats Dahlin, President of MA Europe, Middle East and Africa, Ericsson.
Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communication through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world.
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Ericsson selected by Mobitel to deliver and install a dual band GSM network in Sudan
- United Arab Emirates: Thursday, September 19 - 2002 at 14:10
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Ericsson has signed a turnkey contract for expansion of a GSM network in Sudan with Mobitel, a company jointly owned by Sudatel and MSI Cellular Holdings of the Netherlands.
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Posted by Anne-Birte Stensgaard, News EditorThursday, September 19 - 2002 at 14:10 UAE local time (GMT+4)
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This article was updated on Wed Jan 14 2004.
Notes and Media Contacts »
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Peter Olofsson, Ericsson Corporate Communications
Phone: +46 8 719 1880, +46 70 267 3445
Rim Zaimi, Communication Manager, Market Unit Northern Africa
Phone: +212 37 57 99 00
About Mobitel
Mobitel began operations in 1998 and covers Khartoum and the major cities. Mobitel is the only GSM operator in Sudan with over 170,000 users and its major owners are Sudatel (60%) and MSI (39%). MSI has management control.
About Sudatel
Sudatel, the incumbent fixed telecom operator, is a public and listed company owned by Government (50%), MSI (10%), Public (20%), Arab investment bank, Etisalat, etc. Sudatel was set up as a public share-holding company with the aim of extending telecommunication services and modernizing equipment and networks. All sites covered by the old microwave network and all those in the National Capital have been taken over by the company. Sudatel Company began operations in 1994. It started by executing an emergency plan for short-term rehabilitation work for some existing networks at a number of areas in Khartoum State.
About MSI Cellular
MSI Cellular formed in March 1998 from the demerger of Mobile Systems International plc, the world's leading cellular software and consulting group, started with initial operations in Uganda, India and Hong Kong. Since then MSI Cellular has become the premier operator of GSM cellular networks in Africa with operations in Egypt, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Gabon, Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad as well as Uganda. MSI Cellular has committed in excess of $400 million in Africa since 1998. MSI Cellular networks currently serve over 900,000 customers and cover a total population of 230 million. MSI shareholders include reputable institutions such as IFC, CDC, and AIF.
Peter Olofsson, Ericsson Corporate Communications
Phone: +46 8 719 1880, +46 70 267 3445
Rim Zaimi, Communication Manager, Market Unit Northern Africa
Phone: +212 37 57 99 00
About Mobitel
Mobitel began operations in 1998 and covers Khartoum and the major cities. Mobitel is the only GSM operator in Sudan with over 170,000 users and its major owners are Sudatel (60%) and MSI (39%). MSI has management control.
About Sudatel
Sudatel, the incumbent fixed telecom operator, is a public and listed company owned by Government (50%), MSI (10%), Public (20%), Arab investment bank, Etisalat, etc. Sudatel was set up as a public share-holding company with the aim of extending telecommunication services and modernizing equipment and networks. All sites covered by the old microwave network and all those in the National Capital have been taken over by the company. Sudatel Company began operations in 1994. It started by executing an emergency plan for short-term rehabilitation work for some existing networks at a number of areas in Khartoum State.
About MSI Cellular
MSI Cellular formed in March 1998 from the demerger of Mobile Systems International plc, the world's leading cellular software and consulting group, started with initial operations in Uganda, India and Hong Kong. Since then MSI Cellular has become the premier operator of GSM cellular networks in Africa with operations in Egypt, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Gabon, Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad as well as Uganda. MSI Cellular has committed in excess of $400 million in Africa since 1998. MSI Cellular networks currently serve over 900,000 customers and cover a total population of 230 million. MSI shareholders include reputable institutions such as IFC, CDC, and AIF.
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