Nawras pens upgrade 4G deal with Huawei

Nawras has signed an agreement with Huawei to upgrade its Radio Access Network (RAN) by advancing all sites to enhanced 3G+ and increasing coverage, in-building penetration, capacity and the speed of the entire network. At the same time Nawras will be launching 4G LTE technology.

The Oman operator is launching a LTE FDD 4G network in the 1800MHz spectrum band, and together with the TRA’s release of two more 3G+ frequencies, Nawras is looking to at least triple its mobile broadband capacity. This upgrade programme is due to begin in August in Al Amerat.

Around 30 per cent of sites will be upgraded before the end of the year and customers are forecast to immediately notice the difference as they start to receive fast 3G+ and 4G services. The 4G LTE network will cover all major areas of Muscat governate including Ruwi, the central business district, Wadi Kabir, Muttrah, Qurm, Azaiba, Al Khuwair, Ghala, Baushar, Mawaleh and The Wave, by the end of the year. All major cities will enjoy LTE coverage by June 2013.

In addition to the launch of 4G LTE, 3G+ population coverage will rise dramatically from 53 per cent to 97 per cent over the next three years including greater coverage in remote areas across Oman. At the same time as new 3G+ sites are being introduced, the WiMAX home broadband network will be extended further.