AIRCOM International, a UK independent network planning and optimisation consultancy, has been selected by Egypt's largest mobile operator Mobinil, to help plan and implement 3G technology into its existing 2G network.
Mobinil has purchased the UMTS+HSPA module of the ASSET network planning tool from AIRCOM's ENTERPRISE tool suite, as it seeks to roll out a wide range of 3G services to its customers. As well as the 3G module of ASSET, AIRCOM delivered 3G technology courses and will also provide a range of training and consultancy services to Mobinil's engineers, to ensure a seamless integration into the network.
Commenting on the deal, Mahmoud Hatab, Senior Manager, RF Design & Optimisation at Mobinil said: "As part of the Mobinil mission to maintain its position as the leading mobile service provider in Egypt, we partnered with AIRCOM as they were in the best position to help deliver quality 3G services to the market quickly. Having a great radio planning tool helps us deliver this quality efficiently and it was obvious that ASSET offered the best solution to meet our needs."
ASSET works across multiple technology mobile networks – including WiMAX, HSDPA, 2, 2.5 and 3G – and has been used by Mobinil since 2006 to plan and optimise its existing 2G network.
"We are delighted to have been selected by Mobinil as it rolls out its 3G network," said Bashar Zako, Regional Managing Director for MENA and India, at AIRCOM International. "ASSET will be able to generate sophisticated network statistics and reports for Mobinil to ensure the network provides optimum quality and capacity. Ultimately this will reduce Mobinil's OPEX spend and help to ensure it delivers the best possible quality of service to its customers.
Deployment of ASSET into the Mobinil network began in April and the tool is currently being used by Mobinil planning and optimisation engineers across Egypt.