MTN partners with Ericsson to optimize its network and IT operations in Afghanistan

• The deal will create new operating efficiencies for MTN and a better mobile experience for its five million customers
• Ericsson will plan, manage and optimize the mobile network and MTN’s charging systems and mobile applications

Mobilk - MTN has signed a managed services agreement with Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) to operate and optimize MTN’s mobile network as well as its charging systems and value added services such as mobile applications.  This deal is part of a groundbreaking agreement that covers end to end managed services. 

Under this groundbreaking managed services agreement,  Ericsson will deploy its end-to-end solutions and systems to help MTN in Afghanistan achieve better network efficiency, simplify operations and ensure better quality network through 24/7 network monitoring. The agreement is in line with MTN growth strategy and its continuous focus to enhance customer experience through improved network capacity.  

“Afghanistan’s telecommunications market and our customer base is growing rapidly. In order to reinforce our focus on our customers’ fast-evolving needs, we have chosen Ericsson, leveraging on the company’s global experience and competence in managing such complex projects,” said Hassan Jaber, CEO MTN in Afghanistan. “Ericsson will ensure that our network and IT operations are managed effectively, we will focus on tailoring our services to better cater to our customers’ needs.”    

Ericsson signed more than 70 managed services contracts in 2011.  In all current managed services contracts today, Ericsson manages networks that together serve more than 900 million subscribers worldwide. More than 20,000 employees have been transferred to Ericsson from operators around the world.  

“Afghanistan has seen a tremendous amount of growth in the country’s communications market over past few years. Not only are we seeing significant investments and job creation, with over 100,000 telecoms jobs generated in 2011 alone, but we are also seeing demand for advanced services as customers’ needs evolve,” said Anders Lindblad, President Region Middle East at Ericsson. “This Managed Services agreement is a clear sign of the Afghan telecom market’s maturity and we are confident that MTN Afghanistan will begin to see immediate benefits, as a result of this partnership”