Ericsson and Ooredoo extend partnership to boost 5G connectivity in Qatar

Ericsson and Ooredoo Qatar have announced a five-year extension of their partnership to advance 5G connectivity in Qatar. The agreement, signed during Ooredoo Qatar’s visit to Ericsson’s headquarters in Sweden, aims to strengthen collaboration on radio access network (RAN) products and services.

The partnership extension was formalized by Sheikh Ali Bin Jabor Al Thani, CEO of Ooredoo Qatar, and Kevin Murphy, Vice President and Head of Ericsson Levant Countries and Global Customer Unit Ooredoo Group. The signing ceremony was attended by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulla Al Thani, Deputy Group CEO of Ooredoo, Börje Ekholm, President and CEO of Ericsson Group, and senior executives from both companies.

Under the renewed contract, Ericsson will provide state-of-the-art 5G RAN solutions and services to enable faster data speeds for Ooredoo Qatar. This will allow Ooredoo to explore new 5G use cases, expand connectivity opportunities for subscribers, harness the potential of IoT applications, and delve into emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to optimize network performance and enhance user experience.

Furthermore, Ericsson will continue supplying indoor small cell solutions, specifically the Ericsson Radio Dot System, to ensure seamless connectivity within buildings. In addition, Ooredoo Qatar’s 5G customer experiences will be enhanced with the introduction of additional spectrum, including millimeter wave (mmWave), facilitated by Ericsson’s extended range software. This will enable exceptional speeds over long distances.

To improve network management and overall customer experience, Ooredoo Qatar will leverage Ericsson Network IQ Statistics (ENIQ) and Ericsson Network Management (ENM). These tools, powered by advanced technologies and intelligent algorithms, will provide real-time insights into network performance, traffic patterns, congestion hotspots, and incident detection. This data will enable better resource management and customer service enhancements.

Sheikh Ali Bin Jabor Al Thani, CEO of Ooredoo Qatar, expressed excitement about the extended partnership, emphasizing its potential to drive Qatar’s digital revolution and align with Qatar National Vision 2030. By embracing Ericsson’s cutting-edge technologies, Ooredoo Qatar aims to upgrade its network capabilities, deliver exceptional digital offerings, and explore innovative use cases that open doors to new business opportunities.

With the growing demand for IoT, Ericsson and Ooredoo Qatar will collaborate on optimized RAN deployments, focusing on improved coverage and capacity, efficient power consumption, network slicing capabilities, and robust security measures. This collaboration will enable Ooredoo Qatar to seamlessly handle various IoT applications across its network.

Kevin Murphy, Vice President and Head of Ericsson Levant Countries and Global Customer Unit Ooredoo Group at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, highlighted that Ericsson’s best-in-class 5G technologies will provide Ooredoo Qatar with unparalleled speeds and capacity. This will enable the deployment of advanced applications and services that enhance the customer experience and contribute to Qatar’s digital transformation journey. The extended partnership between Ericsson and Ooredoo Qatar demonstrates their shared vision and commitment to driving innovation and connectivity in Qatar, in line with Qatar Vision 2030.

As part of the five-year contract, Ericsson will provide support and maintenance services through a team of highly qualified specialists to ensure the efficient operation of the network. This partnership signifies a significant milestone for both Ericsson and Ooredoo Qatar, as they work together to advance connectivity in Qatar and deliver exceptional communication experiences for individuals and enterprises.