The deal follows an earlier trial the Swedish vendor carried out in the Qatari capital of Doha, using its LTE and 3G small cell solution in high-traffic indoor and outdoor locations.
Nokia Networks’ used its analysis tools to identify key hotspots in the city, and then installed its Flexi Zone small cells in cafes and restaurants.
“Our customers demand high-quality services, even in complex hotspots and crowded urban zones,” said Waleed Al Sayed, COO at Ooredoo Qatar.
“Nokia Networks small cells will enable us to provide just that; more capacity, higher availability and reduced latency. We chose Nokia Networks because the company proved that it can ensure the best network performance.”
Nokia Networks’ small cell base stations have the same software and processing capabilities as macro base stations, but require less space and can be deployed more easily and cost-effectively.
“The deal marks an important step forward in our long-standing partnership with Ooredoo Qatar, an operator intensely focussed on delivering top quality services to its customers,” said Bernard Najm, VP and head of Middle East and Africa, Nokia Networks.
“Nokia’s advanced mobile broadband solutions will help Ooredoo achieve its goal of enriching people’s lives and supporting the Qatar National Vision of boosting the knowledge-based economy.”
