Cisco's End-to-end Intelligent Network Helps Make MTC-Vodafone Business-Ready in Weeks
Dubai, UAE & Manama, Bahrain, - Cisco Systems today announced that MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) has deployed Cisco IP Communications infrastructure to develop and grow its services in the kingdom's recently deregulated wireless marketplace. MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) turned to Cisco Systems to design and implement its end-to-end IP Communications services network, taking advantage of technology expertise to rapidly establish the foundations for its entry into Bahrain. The solution portfolio deployed delivers an IP Communications infrastructure with advanced security, telephony, and mobility feature sets.
"Our vision is to move MTC from a single entity to a global player in the telecoms sector. The first landmark for this project is to provide services to a customer base of more than 5 million by 2005," said Khalid Al Farkh, Chief Operating Officer at MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain). "To achieve our ambitions we required a supplier that we could count on, and who would help us develop our objectives and business in the long term. Cisco Systems has provided the services and solutions that have helped put MTC-Vodafone on the map in Bahrain."
The short implementation period has helped enable MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) put itself in a strong competitive position by speeding time to launch the brand and its services to consumers. The intelligent Cisco network infrastructure helps ensure that MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) has the networking platform to maintain a leadership position in service delivery and to grow the number and sophistication of its services efficiently, and without disruption over time.
"Mobility is more than just technology, it stems from a natural need from consumers and businesses to be operationally profitable and productive. Mobile Operators today are better positioned to transform into Mobile Service Providers of the future, delivering non-stop, seamless services across several integrated and inter-connected networks," said Sam Alkharrat, Service Provider Regional Manager for Cisco Systems Middle East, "Cisco is helping to speed this transformation by offering value propositions to new and existing Mobile operators, such as MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain). This is driven by a well established IP Communications strategy and made up of a full portfolio of solutions."
MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) has deployed a core infrastructure for its GSM network, which supports Internet Protocol (IP) and Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) technology. By managing packets of data using IP/MPLS, MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) is now able to manage quality of service and to differentiate its service offering as business and consumer demands change. Cisco's solution provides a flexible and scalable network that will help allow MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) to expand both to meet consumer demand and global standards in mobile service provision.
"Our ability to execute is empowered by strong local and global channel partners and systems integrators. Our solutions are designed to help enable mobile operators to reduce operating expenditure and serve as the platform for IP-based services, which translates into a competitive advantage for the operator," Sam Alkharrat concluded.
Products deployed as part of this solution include Cisco Catalyst 6500 series switches with integrated firewalls, content and intrusion detection technology, Cisco 7200 Series Routers, Cisco IP telephony and IP Contact Center solutions, Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN access points and Cisco Optical ONS 15454 Multiservice Provisioning Platform,. The project was managed and implemented by Cisco's strategic implementation partner, International Turnkey Systems (ITS).
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About MTC-Vodafone
MTC-Vodafone comes as a result of a Partner Network Agreement between the Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC), a GCC regional company, borne in Kuwait and Vodafone, a global company based in the UK. MTC-Vodafone, having been as chosen by Bahrain's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority to develop the 2nd GSM service, launched its services on the 28th of December 2003.
Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) was founded in 1983 and is perhaps one of the oldest mobile service providers in the world. MTC has a reputation for pioneering new services in the Middle East and constantly seeks to forge partnerships with key global companies to bring the best products and services to the region. MTC is considered to be a very successful, customer focused and ambitious company and has aspirations that fit with the Vodafone strategy for global customer services.
Cisco, Cisco Systems, the Cisco Systems logo, and Cisco IOS are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
For further information on Cisco Systems, please contact:
Yousef Khalili Noura Gwanny
Cisco Systems GCC MS&L PR
Tel: +971 4 390 7777 Tel: +971 4367 6161
Fax: +971 4 390 7771 Fax: +971 4367 2615
ykhalili@cisco.com noura.gwanny@dubai.mslpr.com
For further information on MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain), please contact:
Hala Suleiman Christiane Salem
PR Manager ASDA'A Public Relations
MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) Exclusive Affiliate of Edelman PR
Tel: +973 36031074 Worldwide in Middle East and North Africa
Fax: +97336031994 Mobile: +973 36301367
E-mail: pr@mtc-vodafone.com.bh E-mail: c.salem@asdaa.com
© Press Release 2004
