Ericsson, Zain Bahrain Expand 4G/5G Networks

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) and Zain Bahrain have signed a new agreement to expand Zain Bahrain’s 4G and 5G networks, marking a significant step in the country’s digital transformation. The deal also extends their Managed Services collaboration for an additional three years, aiming to enhance network efficiency and customer experience.

The network expansion will leverage Ericsson’s energy-efficient Radio Access Network (RAN) solutions, including the dual-band Massive MIMO AIR 3229 and triple-band Radio 4466. These advanced technologies will boost network coverage, increase capacity, and reduce energy consumption by up to 20%, supporting Zain Bahrain’s sustainability targets. This initiative is part of a broader investment plan with Ericsson, aimed at advancing Bahrain’s digital infrastructure.

As part of the extended Managed Services contract, Ericsson will continue to apply data-driven strategies to streamline processes, improve service metrics, and reduce time-to-market. The agreement also includes the modernization of Zain Bahrain’s core network with Ericsson’s cloud-native Evolved Packet Core (EPC) and Unified Data Management function, enhancing network capacity and capabilities.

Ali Isa Al Yaham, Chief Technology Officer of Zain Bahrain, commented: “Our continued partnership with Ericsson showcases our commitment to providing superior customer experiences in Bahrain. This expansion improves coverage, capacity, and reliability while supporting our sustainability goals with Ericsson’s energy-efficient solutions. We are working together to drive Bahrain’s digital transformation and strengthen our position as a key enabler of the Kingdom’s digital future.”

Nicolas Blixell, Vice President and Head of Gulf Council Countries at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, added: “We are proud to build on our decade-long partnership with Zain Bahrain, supporting their network expansion and modernization goals. This agreement introduces cutting-edge technologies that enhance network performance and lay the foundation for future-proof services. By combining advanced solutions with sustainable innovations, we are empowering Zain Bahrain to deliver exceptional services to their customers in Bahrain.”

This collaboration underscores both companies’ commitment to innovation and sustainability as they work together to accelerate Bahrain’s digital future.