Swedish telecoms equipment maker Ericsson and Batelco said the companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on 5G technologies including Voice over New Radio (VoNR), Cloud-native 5G Core, 5G standalone (SA), and others.

“This latest MoU is part of Batelco’s efforts to enhance its network capabilities to achieve future goals for 5G technology, in addition to supporting development programs for new use cases that highlight the potential of 5G for consumers and enterprises,” the companies said in a joint statement.

Ericsson and Batelco (Bahrain Telecommunication Company) in the joint statement added that the companies will broadly collaborate on VoNR and advanced charging system, as well as enable the introduction of Internet of Things (IoT) products.

The pact also covers Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) as a key area of focus for Batelco and Ericsson as they enable extended coverage and longer battery lives for ultra-low complexity devices.

The collaboration on NB-IoT will drive smart city solutions with features such as smart metering, air quality monitoring, and building management, the statement said.
“In addition to the strong coverage that 5G from Ericsson provides, this MoU aims to explore ways to implement 5G technologies and reap the advanced benefits for different industries in Bahrain, through providing examples of innovative use cases,” said Mikkel Vinter, Chief Executive Officer of Batelco.

Vinter added that the collaboration with Ericsson will enable the telco to strengthen its enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) capabilities while also paving the way for launching 5G millimeter wave (mmWave).

Ericsson reported an 11% drop in adjusted operating earnings for the first quarter to 4.7 billion Swedish crowns ($500 million). It was hurt by a $95 million provision for its indefinite suspension of business in Russia over the invasion of Ukraine.

“We are certain our collaboration will support Batelco in discovering new business models and in creating new and innovative offerings in the Kingdom,” said Wojciech Bajda, Vice President and Head of Gulf Council Countries at Ericsson Middle East and Africa.

Batelco’s partnership with the telecom equipment giant comes shortly after the Bahrain-based telco signed an MoU with Viasat, a satellite broadband provider, to explore business-to-business opportunities across the Middle East and North America (MENA) region.

Specifically, the non-binding pact between the companies will focus on the commercialization and distribution of satellite broadband to businesses in the region, Viasat and Batelco have said in a joint statement.

Viasat and Batelco aim to use satellite broadband capacity from Viasat's current satellite systems, with plans to use the ViaSat-3 satellite platform, once launched and operational. The first phase of MoU will see the companies implement a proof-of-concept trial over the following months.