Mobily of Saudi Arabia Deploys Aperto Networks in Top Metros

Deployment will cover the four largest cites of Saudi Arabia

Aperto Networks, a leading WiMAX systems provider serving over 200 operators in 65 countries, announced today that Mobily, the second largest GSM operator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has deployed its PacketWave broadband wireless systems in the four largest cities of that nation, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Khubar, as well as in Dahran, the gateway city to Bahrain. Mobily (brand name of Etihad Etisalat) is owned by Etisalat of UAE, as well as private and public investors in Saudi Arabia.

Mobily’s PacketWave-powered 2.5 GHz wireless network now reaches a population numbering over 6 million metro residents, as well as many of Saudi Arabia’s central business districts. The system is used to provide high-speed data connectivity and to enhance Mobily’s service delivery across the major urban areas in the kingdom.

“We selected Aperto’s PacketWave system because of its IP-rich functionality and spectral efficiency,” stated Khaled Al-Kaf, CEO of Mobily. “The platform’s ability to support VPNs and VLAN, integrated routing functionality and strong scalability fully supports our plans for expansion and business applications over IP. We have a large and growing footprint, and must have efficient, robust links throughout to meet the needs of our corporate customers. We also have high confidence in Aperto’s WiMAX strategy, and in its partnership with NetInfo to give us outstanding network integration and field support where we have deployed.”

“Aperto is a critical strategic systems partner to us in the Middle East,” explained Mr. Saeed Mohammed Bawazir, General Manager of NetInfo. “The PacketWave platform has a solid baseline of established integration performance and Aperto’s systems engineers are highly adept at providing us the needed support to design, configure and deploy client networks. We have a strong commitment and growing expertise in WiMAX, and are very pleased to be working with Aperto as this critical wave of technology moves to market.

“We are pleased to be working with Mobily, Etisalat and NetInfo on this important deployment,” added Aperto CEO Reza Ahy. “Etisalat is a well-respected global player, with planned fixed wireless deployments in other countries in the region, including the UAE. Together with NetInfo, we have established a strong base for expansion and look forward to shared growth in the future.”

- WiMax.com