Huawei to Deploy First WiMAX 16e-based Commercial Network in the Middle East for Saudi Telecom

[Bangalore, 31 August 2007] Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. ("Huawei"), a leader in providing next generation telecommunications network solutions for operators around the world, today announced that Saudi Telecom (“STC”), the largest service provider in Saudi Arabia, has selected Huawei to deploy the first WiMAX 802.16e-based network in the Middle East, covering major cities including Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.

Under this agreement, Huawei will design and deploy an end-to end WiMAX 802.16e network including Base Station, Access Service Network Gateway, Network Management System, as well as an Authorization, Authentication and Accounting system. Huawei’s end-to-end WiMAX solution integrates the most advanced technologies such as orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), enabling high-quality network coverage and bandwidth capacity. The distributed base station provided by Huawei is easy-to-install, featuring easy site acquisition and fast rollout. The WiMAX 802.16e-based network features high-quality network coverage and bandwidth capacity satisfying STC’s needs to accommodate an increasing number of broadband subscribers.

”We enjoy a longstanding relationship with Huawei cooperating on different technology fields such as GSM and WCDMA,” commented Bandar M. Al Qafari, general manager of STC’s Network Department. “Huawei has the experience and technology advantages in the WiMAX field and its WiMAX 16e solution enables the next generation network evolution. Huawei has successfully delivered more than 5,000 wireless projects, and I’m confident that it will provide us with an excellent network that will allow us to provide wireless broadband access service to our subscribers.”

“We are proud to be contributing to the development of STC’s broadband access field, strengthen our strategic cooperation with the operator,” said Wang Jiading, vice president of North Africa & Middle East, Huawei Technologies. “STC trusts Huawei’s cutting-edge technology and continuous commitment to innovation in the WiMAX field. Huawei will continue to support its customers in maintaining market leadership.”

As a leading WiMAX solution supplier, Huawei actively promotes the development of WiMAX and has more than 600 engineers engaged in WiMAX R&D. Huawei is an important member of the WiMAX Forum and IEEE standard organization, and Huawei owns a number of essential patents in WiMAX technology. Based on its experience in both mobile and IP fields, Huawei provides tailored solutions for fixed and mobile operators such as fast-to-deploy networks that provide broadband access services, VoIP and data services for their customers.

About Huawei Technologies
Huawei Technologies is a leader in providing next generation telecommunications network solutions for operators around the world. The company is dedicated to providing innovative and customized products, services and solutions to create long-term value and potential growth for its customers. Huawei’s products and solutions are deployed in over 100 countries and serve 31 of the world’s top 50 operators, as well as over one billion users worldwide.
For more information, please visit www.huawei.com.
About STC
STC (Saudi Telecom) is the biggest integrated mobile operator in the Middle East and North Africa Region. Its network is now serving 13 million mobile subscribers and 4.5 million fixed line subscriber. It provides fixed line services, mobile services, data services and transmission services etc. For more information, please visit at: www.stc.com.sa.