Ericsson to establish long-term plan for LTE across Iraq

Ericsson has partnered with Iraq’s internet and communications provider, Tishknet, to deploy the first LTE TDD network in the country.  The agreement includes the latest LTE technology with the Ericsson RBS 6000 family of base stations. Also included is Ericsson’s Evolved Packet Core network, with Evolved Packet Gateway on the SSR 8000 family of Smart Services Routers. The services will be launched in the northeastern Kurdistan region, providing an enhanced end-user experience and high-speed internet connections to customers.

Firia Ali, CEO, Tishknet, said, Our customers’ needs are evolving rapidly and LTE provides them with access to innovative broadband services. The Kurdistan region is one of the country’s most active business hubs and we hope to roll out the service across other regions in the near future.

Tarek Saadi, President of Ericsson’s North Middle East Unit, said, The launch of LTE in Iraq is an indication of the country’s ICT sector growth and fast development. We will be working closely with Tishknet to further strengthen our relationship and optimize the benefits of LTE deployment across the country.

Ericsson has delivered more than 160 LTE/EPC networks worldwide, of which more than 90 have gone live commercially, and has signed contracts with nine of the top ten ranked operators by global revenue 2012.