CAIRO, Egypt -- Orascom Telecom Holding S.A.E of Egypt (LSE: ORTEq.L) and Motorola's Global Telecom Solutions Sector (GTSS), have completed the deployment of Orascom's Iraqi mobile services network 'Iraqna' on schedule. Motorola's strong relationship with Orascom and extensive experience in deploying 2G and 2.5G networks in the region enabled the successful network deployment. 'Iraqna' was launched commercially on Feb. 5, 2004.
Initial network deployment provided coverage for Baghdad, which includes 36 sites equipped with Motorola's GSM Horizon macro BTS. Motorola has a strong track record of rapid network deployment and the Horizon II macro BTS portfolio enhances this capability with its compact design, which significantly reduces the site preparation, lifting equipment and site space requirements.
Jeff Cherif, vice president, Motorola, and general manager of Middle East and Africa, for Motorola GTSS, commented: "We're excited to be announcing the successful commercial deployment of the Iraqna GSM network. We have been working closely with Orascom over the last three months to make sure that we both meet our commitment to deliver a robust mobile telecommunications network in Iraq. Today's announcement is testament to this commitment as well as to the strong working relationship of both companies."
Operator Orascom Telecom Iraq (OTI), in which regional operator Orascom Telecom Holding S.A.E owns a 63 percent share, awarded Motorola the contract to be a main supplier for the Central region for the two-year duration of the network license on October 23, 2003.
OTI is the first licensee to provide comprehensive mobile telephony services in Iraq's Central Region. Operating under its brand, Iraqna, it is one of the three regional network operators that will form Iraq's first national mobile telecommunications network. Iraqna's primary objective is to deliver high quality GSM mobile services to the people of Iraq as soon as possible, which is reflected in its ethos "now we are talking."
Naguib Sawiris, chairman and CEO of Orascom Telecom Holding, said: "By further strengthening our partnership with Motorola we can deliver a leading GSM telecommunications network to the people of Iraq. Motorola's Middle East experience complements our dynamic strategy, forming a team capable of meeting and exceeding the industry's expectations."
Motorola Inc.
Orascom Telecom