Wataniya to expand 3G network to cover 90 percent of population

Wataniya Telecom Maldives has said that they have plans to cover 90 percent of Maldives’ population with 3G from the present 75 percent, and launch VoLTE (voice over LTE) next year.

In an interview with TelecomLead, Wataniya Maldives CEO Haroon Shahul Hameed has said that the company has drafted a 5-thronged strategy to improve mobile customer experience across the country.

The telecom operator’s five focus areas include technology modernization; customer experience management; expanding data market; engagement of employees; and micro segmentation, Haroon Shahul Hameed said.

Their plans include upgrading the existing 3G+ network to the HSPA+ network and for their 4G network to cover population from the present 31 percent, he said.

He also revealed that their new network infrastructure will be more environmentally friendly, consuming less power and will leave a smaller footprint than traditional equipment.

Last year, Wataniya Telecom Maldives signed a $25 million project with Huawei to modernize its Radio Access Network. The project involves upgrading Wataniya’s existing Radio Access Network with an advanced technology platform to provide enhanced coverage across the country.

TelecomLead also reports that Wataniya Maldives has completed the first phase of their convergent billing system.

“Maldives, a country of 1,200 islands where connectivity is a major concern, has around 180 percent mobile penetration and around 35 percent of phones are smartphones. We are set to experience data explosion in coming years,” Wataniya Telecom Maldives CEO Haroon Shahul Hameed said.

He said that the telecom operator will start generating revenue from enterprise as part of its new strategy on micro segmentation.