Middle East : Huawei Technologies announced it has successfully deployed the largest High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) network in the Middle East and North Africa region for Etisalat in UAE. This network covers 97 percent of the populated areas in the country and Etisalat was able to support more than one million 3G end-users that signed up within the first five months of 2007.

Solely constructed by Huawei in 2003, Etisalat's original 3G network was MENA's first high-speed next-generation mobile network. In 2006, Etisalat again contracted Huawei as its sole partner to expand its 3G infrastructure as well as upgrade the network to HSPA. Huawei's high-performance HSPA solution incorporates advanced technology IP-based Radio Access Network (RAN) that supports higher data throughput while reducing transmission costs. As a 3.5G mobile technology, HSPA delivers very high-speed data transfer, even faster than alternative fixed-line broadband services.

Customers in UAE with 3G enabled-handsets can now enjoy smooth web browsing, clear video calling and fluent mobile TV entertainment without the need to change their SIM cards. In addition, Etisalat is able to offer access to television programs in dual English and Arabic languages using Huawei's versatile mobile television solution.

Today, Etisalat's 3G/3.5G network provides the highest quality coverage across the UAE. Huawei has built unified 2G/3G networks and mobile value-added data service platforms, as well as transmission and data communication equipment for Etisalat in Egypt. Huawei also provides 2G/3G solutions for Etisalat's subsidiary Mobily in Saudi Arabia and infrastructure required for a GSM network covering 1,500 cities and towns for Etisalat's subsidiary Ufone in Pakistan.

Mr. Han Junjie, Vice President of MENA region, Huawei said that: "I feel glad that Huawei has successfully delivered the largest HSPA network in MENA region and helped one million Etisalat 3G subscribers access the network. Huawei has reinforced the strategic partnership with Etisalat and accumulated another precious experience in large-scale deployment of 3G network. With the regional footprint, Huawei will be more experienced to build high-quality networks helping Etisalat to be among the leading operators in the world. "


About Etisalat

Emirates Telecommunications Corporation – Etisalat has been the telecommunications service provider in the UAE since 1976, it provides wireless, fixed, and integrated service including internet services to the UAE for more than 30 years. Today, Etisalat's serves 5.5 million mobile subscribers in the UAE, a penetration of nearly 125% - the highest in the region and among the highest in the world.