Ericsson and Qatari operator Ooredoo have signed a five-year extension of their 5G deal as part of plans to push collaboration on RAN (Radio Access Network) products and services.
Announcing the deal earlier this week, Ericsson will provide 5G RAN solutions and services for the operator to explore new 5G use cases, with the intention of leveraging Internet of Things (IoT) applications, plus exploring AI and machine learning (ML) technologies.
Swedish vendor Ericsson claims that its latest RAN solutions will provide Ooredoo with significantly faster data speeds.
Ericsson will also continue supplying indoor small-cell solutions for Ooredoo and is introducing a millimeter wave spectrum to further enhance Ooredoo's 5G service.
The vendor said that due to its extended range software, mmWave means Ooredoo can deliver faster speeds over multi-kilometer distances.
“Through our extended partnership with Ericsson, we are poised to redefine the 5G landscape, propelling Qatar’s digital revolution forward in line with Qatar National Vision 2030," said Sheikh Ali Bin Jabor Al Thani, chief executive officer, Ooredoo Qatar.
"By embracing Ericsson’s cutting-edge technologies, we can continue upgrading our network capabilities, deliver exceptional digital offerings, and explore innovative use cases that open doors to exciting new business opportunities."
IoT is also an area that the partnership extension will focus on, with the duo set to work together on how to handle various IoT applications simultaneously across its network.
Ericsson plans to support Ooredoo in doing this as it implements optimized RAN deployments such as improved coverage and capacity, efficient power consumption, network slicing capabilities, and robust security measures.
Ooredoo has a mobile subscriber base of 3.4 million customers in Qatar, while its 5G service covers 70 percent of the country's population.
The company signed a deal with Chinese vendor ZTE to support the modernization of its network for its Algerian business unit, Ooredoo Algeria, earlier this year.
