Ooredoo Qatar announced on Sunday that it has signed a contract with Ericsson to deploy the latest Radio Access Network (RAN) and microwave backhaul solutions to enhance its 5G coverage, including in remote areas. The partnership will allow Ooredoo to expand its network and provide a stronger 5G experience for its customers.
As part of the agreement, Ericsson will supply Ooredoo with massive MIMO radios to facilitate the nationwide deployment of a new 5G layer utilizing the 2.3 GHz spectrum band. This initiative will include the annual addition of new sites, improving both indoor and outdoor coverage and increasing network capacity, along with modernizing Ooredoo’s power systems.
Additionally, the deal will enable Ooredoo to refarm its 3G spectrum and introduce 700 MHz spectrum for improved 5G coverage, while also expanding mmWave technology for high-speed hotspots.
On the backhaul side, Ericsson will provide a multiband microwave solution capable of high-capacity backhaul of up to 25 Gbps by combining E-band (70/80 GHz) with traditional frequency bands. This solution will allow Ooredoo to extend its 5G coverage to remote locations where fiber connectivity is not available.
Ooredoo Qatar CEO Sheikh Ali Bin Jabor Al-Thani stated that this investment is designed to strengthen Ooredoo’s network capabilities, improve the 5G consumer experience, and open up new enterprise revenue opportunities, including network sharing and mission-critical communications.
