Batelco Group, a leading telecom services operator with operations across 14 geographies, has signed an agreement with Canada-based Star Solutions, a global leader in mobile network infrastructure products, to build and implement GSM/LTE mobile networks for Sure South Atlantic, the Bahrain telco giant's operations in the South Atlantic region.

The partnership was announced following a recent meeting at Batelco’s Headquarters in Hamala, Bahrain, attended by

The LTE-enabled network will meet customer demands for mobile services in the South Atlantic, specifically for St. Helena and Ascension Island, said Ian Kelly, the chief executive of Sure South Atlantic and Diego Garcia, after  signing the partnership agreement with Star Solutions CEO Jack Mar.

This investment is part of Batelco Group’s ongoing strategy to build and enhance mobile networks across all of its operations, stated Kelly.

"This major project for Sure South Atlantic will see the launch of mobile networks in St. Helena and Ascension Island, providing mobile Broadband capability and superior voice quality for our customers there," he added.

Kelly said Star Solutions was roped in as the company pioneered all IP-based wireless infrastructure technologies and more importantly, has years of experience in delivering effective mobile network solutions in remote locations around the world.

“Star Solutions which has a proven record of achievement in deploying networks, offered a bespoke service that addressed Sure’s immediate needs in St Helena and Ascension Island and will deliver the best solution possible to allow us to provide required mobile services,” he added.

Mar said they were delighted to join hands with Sure South Atlantic and Batelco Group for this major infrastructure project.

“Our combined GSM and LTE solution enables Sure South Atlantic to offer customers a great mobile experience that will meet ever increasing demands,” he added.

Kelly said the project was already underway in St Helena and Ascension Island and the customers could look forward to mobile services being launched later this year.-TradeArabia News Service