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Viva Bahrain set to launch 4G LTE

Manama, April 21, 2013

Viva Bahrain, a leading telecom services provider, is putting final touches to its network in preparation for the upcoming launch of the high-speed wireless data technology known as 4G LTE, said a top official.

Talk of what 4G LTE will enable is irrelevant until operators ensure extensive 4G network coverage and capacity to offer seamless connectivity, chief commercial officer Andrew Hanna was quoted as saying in a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

"We have been working to make sure that we deliver the best customer experience when we go live," Hanna told the GDN in an exclusive interview.

"When launching a highly-anticipated technology such as 4G LTE, it is imperative we ensure everything is in place to deploy it to its full capacity.

"Key to that is ensuring we have the right infrastructure and ecosystem in place which we plan to achieve through a minimum of 95 per cent country-wide coverage to deliver true 4G data throughputs everywhere in Bahrain from day one.

"Viva currently has 4G coverage in specific locations around the country, including the Viva Karting Track and other key areas," Hanna said.

"We deployed a test programme under which selected customers were provided with free 4G coverage and their feedback was taken.

"Their inputs will assist us in ensuring that Viva's launch of nation-wide 4G services surpasses customer expectations."

When asked to comment on the upcoming release of spectrum for 4G LTE, Mr Hanna said it would be a key milestone not only for the industry, but for the country as well.

"It's the first step towards the adoption of a new, empowering technology that will propel the industry forward on a wave of superfast data delivery.

"From a consumer perspective, 4G LTE services will redefine the customer experience in terms of data and connectivity capabilities that a mobile device can offer. Imagine being able to download Skyfall to your mobile or tablet in just a few minutes, or download the latest Coldplay album in just seconds!

"The technology enables extremely fast data throughput, allowing for quicker access of media for consumers, providing video chatting capabilities on both tablets and smartphones whilst on the move, super-fast sharing and streaming of movies or audio files without pausing, along with advanced smartphone capabilities and much more," the Viva official said.

On the challenges and opportunities that Viva saw in 4G LTE, Mr Hanna said the main challenge was in being able to translate into tangible benefits the real power of 4G to consumers and businesses.

"It will take time for the true value of 4G to spread in both market segments. The opportunity is to support customers through the journey of adopting this breakthrough technology... We will ensure that our customers get the experience they deserve."

As part of its strategy, the company plans to launch "the most innovative 4G products".

"We are currently developing a comprehensive portfolio of cutting-edge 4G enabled devices with attractive price plans in line with our commitment to deliver customers the ideal combination of speed, coverage and devices," Hanna said. – TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Internet | wireless | Viva Bahrain | 4G LTE |

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