Warid Telecom Selects Motorola to Deploy Extensive GSM Network in Bangladesh
Bangladesh a step closer to seamless mobility as Warid Telecom International LLC commits to providing cost-effective voice and data services across the country by end-2006
SINGAPORE, June 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) announced today that it has been chosen by Warid Telecom International LLC, a full service telecom provider for Bangladesh, to deploy a new 2.5G GSM network in the country. Expected to be commercially deployed by the end of 2006, the network will provide region-wide coverage in the Northeastern region. Eventually Warid Telecom's entire network will support voice and data services for up to five million new customers in Bangladesh.
Warid Telecom is fully committed to establishing itself as a leading provider of wireless services in Bangladesh. Bashir A. Tahir, CEO for Warid Telecom International LLC said, "Mobile communications is an empowering tool to transform individuals and businesses. We are pleased to be playing a part in the growing telecommunications sector in Bangladesh, and we are fully committed to building a world class mobile communications infrastructure in the country to deliver affordable voice and data services to all major cities and towns in 2006."
"Although we are a late entrant, Warid Telecom has an aggressive roll out plan that will see us reach the entire Bangladesh population within one year. We will also ensure that we offer our Bangladeshi brethren a wide range of differentiating services that will add value to their lives, as well as redefine customer service in the country," adds Muneer Farooqui, Chief Executive Officer Bangladesh Operations, Warid Telecom International LLC.
Warid Telecom will be deploying Motorola Reach GSM solutions to provide an 1800 MHz mobile network to deliver voice and data services. This new network will form the foundation for Warid Telecom's expansion in the country, and will be upgradeable to EDGE and eventually 3G to deliver media-rich data services. Motorola will also be supplying and implementing its wi4 Canopy(R) wireless broadband system to connect Warid's headquarter with its distributors nation-wide in Bangladesh. The wi4 Canopy, part of Motorola MOTOwi4(TM) wireless broadband solutions, provides a scalable, reliable platform that supports high speed broadband applications.
Jay Andersen, vice president, sales and operations for Motorola Networks & Enterprise, Asia said, "The telecommunications market in Bangladesh certainly presents many opportunities for growth. Morgan Stanley revealed in a report(1) that mobile penetration in Bangladesh can reach 25-30 percent within the next five years. With our expertise in designing cost-effective networks in emerging markets, we are confident that this relationship with Warid Telecom will create the building blocks to drive seamless mobility for consumers in Bangladesh."
Warid Telecom is a fast growing telecommunications provider that has already established a strong reputation in neighboring Pakistan. Delivering comprehensive communications services to over 100 major cities in Pakistan, Warid Telecom has managed to win over 4 million subscribers within first year of its launch in that competitive market.
Wateen Telecom, part of Warid Telecom International LLC, has recently announced plans with Motorola to deploy a nationwide wireless broadband voice and data network in Pakistan using Motorola's wi4 WiMAX solutions. The solutions and integration services from Motorola are the first step for Wateen to make Broadband Pakistan a reality.
In this current deal with Warid Telecom, a portion of the purchase price will be financed by Motorola.
About Warid Telecom
Warid Telecom is owned by the Abu Dhabi Group led by His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan. The group is one of the largest in the Middle East and has diversified business interests ranging from oil and gas exploration, hospitality services, telecommunications, banking and financial services, automobile industries and property development. The group has a large presence in the Pakistani market and owns Bank Alfalah Ltd., the 5th largest and one of the country's premier consumer banks, as well as a substantial stake in United Bank Limited, the 3rd largest bank with substantial presence abroad.
Warid Telecom has implemented a new and modern corporate identity as a result of the dynamic changes taking place in the telecom industry. With a reflection of a new strategy, our aim is to be perceived not only as a telecommunication operator of voice services, but also as a universal provider of comprehensive communications services for both residential and business customers. Warid's corporate identity seeks to reflect the changes in telecom sector in relation to helping customers keep pace with rapidly changing technology in the field of communication, and to harmonize the customers' perception of our brand with the quality and range of our services. Our objective is to provide optimum level of support and care through our highly skilled and motivated team of professionals and through maximum network coverage and clear connectivity that we have committed to provide.
About Motorola
Motorola is known around the world for innovation and leadership in wireless and broadband communications. Inspired by our vision of Seamless Mobility, the people of Motorola are committed to helping you get and stay connected simply and seamlessly to the people, information, and entertainment that you want and need. We do this by designing and delivering "must have" products, "must do" experiences and powerful networks -- along with a full complement of support services. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US$36.8 billion in 2005. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit www.motorola.com/ .
(1) Morgan Stanley report, February 15, 2006: 'Asia/Pacific
Telecommunications Next Frontiers: Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam,
Bangladesh'
Source: Motorola, Inc.
CONTACT: Cordia So of Motorola Networks & Enterprise Asia Pacific,
+852 2966 3840, cordia.so@motorola.com , or Johahn Bhurrut of Hill &
+Knowlton
Singapore, +65 6390 3369 (DID), +65 9690 5210 (Mobile), johahn.bhurrut@hillandknowlton.com.sg
Web site: www.motorola.com/
