Alfa and Nokia have launched Lebanon’s first 4G LTE-Advanced network, as part of an agreement signed between the two companies. The network enables Alfa to offer its subscribers significantly higher download speeds of up to 262.5 Mbits/sec for accessing high-definition video and other data-intensive applications.
The two companies earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 5G to explore possibilities for the Alfa network and pave the way for Alfa to install its first 5G site in Lebanon in 2018. These agreements are part of the Lebanese Ministry of Telecommunications’ National 2020 Digital Telecom Vision to upgrade the country’s Internet infrastructure and deploy 4G LTE-A across the Lebanese territory.
Marwan Hayek, CEO and Chairman, Alfa said: “With the unprecedented surge in data traffic over the Alfa network to 15,000 terabytes per year, the deployment of 4G LTE-A across Lebanon will not only advance the quality of our 4G network but will also help us quickly move toward next-generation technologies like 5G, which is a top priority for us to maintain our technology innovation leadership.”
Roger Ghorayeb, Nokia’s Customer Team Head for Growth West ME said: “This deployment lets Alfa provide a high-quality enhanced mobile broadband experience over its LTE network. We are excited about the foundation this builds for Nokia and Alfa, and the opportunities for future work with our partner as it evolves its network for 5G and IoT capabilities in smart Lebanese cities.”
