Zain has selected Ericsson to launch its 5G network services in Bahrain before the end of 2019.
Ericsson has more than 70 5G agreements or contracts with unique communication service providers, of which 22 are live networks.
Zain Bahrain will modernize its network from LTE to 5G as part of the deal. Ericsson did not reveal the financial details of the 5G equipment deal.
Ericsson will supply 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) and 5G Core products and solutions to Zain Bahrain.
Ericsson will be providing 5G New Radio (NR) hardware and software from the Ericsson Radio System portfolio, including Massive MIMO solutions.
Ericsson is also providing Ericsson Cloud Packet Core and Voice over LTE solutions in order to upgrade Zain’s mobile networks and introduce 5G, Fadi Pharaon, president of Ericsson Middle East & Africa, said.
Zain Bahrain has generated revenue of $121 million (–6 percent) during the first nine months of 2019. Zain Bahrain’s EBITDA rose 37 percent to $42 million with an EBITDA margin of 34 percent. Zain Bahrain’s net income increased 4 percent to $10 million.
