Ericsson Extends Warid Deal

STOCKHOLM -- Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) and leading Pakistani operator Warid Telecommunications Limited (Warid Telecom (Pvt.) Limited) today announced a new three-year managed services agreement that will deepen the existing strategic partnership between the two companies and marks Ericsson's first multivendor deal in Pakistan. Under the agreement, Ericsson will provide a range of new services for Warid.

The deal is an extension of an existing agreement to manage the operation and performance of Warid Telecom's nationwide GSM/GPRS network, expanding into other parts of the multivendor network.

The new agreement covers complete network operations, including field operations and network optimization to ensure quality of the network. As part of the agreement, Warid employees from related function will be transferred to Ericsson.

The agreement will optimize Warid Telecom's operations and strengthen its ability to evolve and expand its business. Warid Telecom will retain ownership of the network, as well as responsibility for its strategic direction.

It will also allow Ericsson to develop a longer term perspective of the managed services requirements of Warid's network and invest in the appropriate resources, tools and processes.

Bashir Tahir, Chief Executive Officer of Warid Telecom International, says: "With Ericsson taking care of the network operations, we are able to focus on bringing high-quality mobile communications services to all Pakistanis and cementing our position in the market."

Warid Telecom Pvt. Ltd.