MUSCAT: Vodafone Oman has signed an agreement with global telecom giant Ericsson to deploy, operate and maintain a new 4G and 5G core and radio access (RAN) greenfield network in the Sultanate. Ericsson will supply a complete core network solution based on Ericsson Cloud Core, NFVI and Cloud VoLTE as well as an end-to-end transport network solution.
The greenfield network includes other Ericsson Radio System products and solutions such as the antenna-integrated radio and Ericsson Spectrum Sharing.
The end-to-end solution range will deliver a cost-efficient, energy-efficient and flexible layered architecture design to support 5G from network launch. Vodafone customers will also benefit from Ericsson Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services.
A five-year management services agreement has also been signed. This will result in an AI-powered data-driven network and IT operations and optimisation, enabling Vodafone to enrich its customer experience, drive efficiency and facilitate innovation.
Vodafone will benefit from Ericsson’s AI tools and data-driven model to drive efficiencies and a shift from reactive to proactive IT and network operations.
In turn, Vodafone customers will get an enhanced user experience with improved network quality and performance.
Ericsson will take responsibility for the design, rollout, operations, management, optimisation and maintenance of Vodafone’s network. The move will support the service provider’s goal to offer a wide range of new and differentiating services to its customers in Oman.
Bader al Zidi, Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone, said: “Our focus is to ensure that we offer our customers a wide range of differentiating services that will add value to their lives, as well as redefining customer service in the country. We expect high performing Core and RAN technologies and AI, automation and analytics to further accelerate operational transformation through our partnership. Ericsson has the knowledge and understanding of our requirements. As part of this partnership, we are also joining hands to develop and build the capacity of Omani youth in the areas of technology and information. Our goal is to offer customers an exceptional customer experience as well as upscale the Omani youth, to ensure that Vodafone is able to meet its commitment of bringing superior quality network and mobile communications to the people of Oman through Omani local talent in the long term.”
Fadi Pharaon, President of Ericsson Middle East and Africa, added: “We are proud to be chosen by Vodafone to deploy and run their entire greenfield network in Oman. This collaboration will lead to Vodafone launching its new mobile broadband service and providing Oman with an additional nationwide mobile network. We are pleased to implement the latest in radio access and core technologies, as well as utilising the latest in automation, and artificial intelligence software to run the network and secure great user experience.”
