Zain Iraq, Ericsson sign network outsourcing deal

Middle East telecom operator, Mobile Telecommunications Co., better known as Zain, says its Iraqi unit has signed a $650 million network outsourcing deal with Ericsson, in a move to improve network quality in the war-torn country, Total Telecom states.

The five-year deal will allow Ericsson to optimise and manage Zain's IT operations, the telco said in a statement.

According to Global Telecoms Business, the agreement will help Zain enhance focus on core customer facing business activities including customer relationships management. It will also enable the Middle East operator to offer a shorter time-to-market for new services and technologies.

Nabeel Bin Salamah, CEO of the Zain Group, said Zain in Iraq will be better positioned to support the evolution and growth of the Iraqi telecommunications industry. “Zain Group's investment in Iraq since the launch of commercial services in 2003 and the subsequent development of the country's largest mobile network has exceeded $4.5 billion and we will do our utmost in ensuring that all Iraqis receive the urgently-needed quality mobile telecommunications services they deserve”.

Following its recent expansion to northern Kurdistan, Zain plans to invest in its network infrastructure in the coming years to increase its network coverage in the country, Arab News reports.

The company's corporate social responsibility support programmes have stretched across many needy areas over the years, with Zain Iraq's total contributions exceeding $25 million to date. The company employs over 2 500 Iraqi nationals who regularly undergo professional training and advancement programmes.