Batelco selects Ericsson to expand, improve GSM network

State-owned Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco) has contracted Ericsson to upgrade its GSM core, radio and service network, as part of an ongoing plan to expand its range of mobile services. Under the new deal, the Swedish technology provider will expand Batelco’s GSM network coverage and capacity for both voice and data services, boosting its existing high speed EDGE-based data capabilities in the process. The agreement includes the expansion of total network capacity up to 650,000 subscribers, and will enable the introduction of new services aimed at the youth and business markets such as high speed video streaming applications.