Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) and leading Pakistani operator Warid Telecommunications Limited (Warid Telecom (Pvt.) Limited) today announced a new three-year managed services agreement that will deepen the existing strategic partnership between the two companies and marks Ericsson’s first multivendor deal in Pakistan. Under the agreement, Ericsson will provide a range of new services for Warid.
The deal is an extension of an existing agreement to manage the operation and performance of Warid Telecom’s nationwide GSM/GPRS network, expanding into other parts of the multivendor network.
The new agreement covers complete network operations, including field operations and network optimization to ensure quality of the network. As part of the agreement, Warid employees from related function will be transferred to Ericsson.
The agreement will optimize Warid Telecom’s operations and strengthen its ability to evolve and expand its business. Warid Telecom will retain ownership of the network, as well as responsibility for its strategic direction.
It will also allow Ericsson to develop a longer term perspective of the managed services requirements of Warid’s network and invest in the appropriate resources, tools and processes.
Bashir Tahir, Chief Executive Officer of Warid Telecom International, says: “With Ericsson taking care of the network operations, we are able to focus on bringing high-quality mobile communications services to all Pakistanis and cementing our position in the market.”
Marwan Zawaydeh, Executive Board Member and Group Chief Technical Officer of Warid Telecom, says: “We need a reliable partner to quickly design, implement, integrate and manage our network in the markets we enter. Ericsson is able to meet our aggressive timelines and expectations, which makes it a valuable partner.”
Hans Vestberg, Ericsson Vice President and Head of Global Services, says: “The new agreement with Warid Telecom demonstrates our commitment to cultivating long-term, strategic relationships with a view to creating competitive advantages for our customers.”
Ericsson has partnered with Warid Telecom since 2004, building and managing its greenfield networks in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
[Source: Ericsson Press Release]