Nokia and Asiacell to boost network performance with next-gen microwave network in Iraq

• Asiacell’s subscribers will benefit from a more reliable and ubiquitous network, delivering at the same time higher-speed and lower-latency

Baghdad, Iraq – Nokia today announced that Asiacell Telecom, Iraq’s leading telecommunications services provider, has chosen Nokia to build its next-generation microwave network. This new microwave network will be essential to meet the capacity and provide the ultra-low latency required to delivering compelling experiences to end users. For this project, Nokia will replace legacy microwave equipment by either modernizing or deploying approximately 3,000 network links across multiple locations in Iraq over the next five years.

Nokia will deploy products from its industry-leading Wavence microwave packet radio portfolio to help Asiacell simplify network operations for improved cost efficiency and performance. Nokia Wavence ultra-broadband transceivers will further enable Asiacell to provide fiber-like connectivity even in areas where fiber cannot be deployed. Asiacell will benefit from enhanced network capabilities, allowing it to support ever-increasing demands for data.

As part of this renewed partnership, Asiacell will leverage its existing Nokia Network Services Platform (NSP) deployment for managing the complete set of Nokia transport equipment. This will enable automation for rapid equipment commissioning, optimizing network performance, and the automating of operational tasks, thus simplifying microwave integration into Asiacell’s existing network environment. By utilizing Nokia’s NSP, Asiacell will also be able to use the network automation capabilities to ensure maximum network service performance and reliability.

The project marks yet another milestone for Nokia and Asiacell as they strengthen their partnership with the vision of providing the best-in-class telecom services across Iraq. Recently, Asiacell had selected Nokia to provide nationwide network optimization for two years, which started in January 2021. While Nokia is already transforming Asiacell’s network operations, the Wavence portfolio will further ensure Asiacell’s seamless transition to next generation technology.

Amer Sunna, CEO and Managing Director of Asiacell, said: “We are pleased to extend our partnership with Nokia by trusting them with yet another project. Improving network performance and enhancing the end-user experience has always been our top priority and having Nokia as a strategic partner is helping us achieve this. By leveraging Nokia's global scale, we look forward to building a future-proof network that will help us meet the growing mobile traffic demand in Iraq.”

Rima Manna, Head of the Middle East Market Unit at Nokia MEA, said: “We’re delighted that Asiacell has turned to us again to build a reliable and futureproof microwave network. With our Wavence portfolio, we are confident of providing the best-in-class microwave enabling Asiacell to easily upgrade to next-generation technology. This microwave network modernization will allow Asiacell to provide differentiated services and enhance its revenue by introducing new and innovative services."

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