Warid Telecom of Pakistan has contracted Ericsson for deployment of its 4G LTE network in Pakistan, we have confirmed with sources.
Network up-gradation and 4G LTE rollout contract was award to Ericsson after successful lab tests in which Warid scored considerably well.
It maybe recalled here that Ericsson was major infrastructure vendor for Warid’s 2G network rollout as well.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority isn’t happy with the situation, as Warid didn’t buy any (3G or 4G) license but is still forging its way to 4G service offerings.
Warid on the other hands is seemingly committed in offering its customers the 4G LTE network with-in current calendar year.
Sources inside Warid confirmed ProPakistani that Warid is aiming for at least five cities for the deployment of 4G network with-in this year. These cities will include: Islamabad, Rawalpindi,Lahore, Karachi, Gujranwala and Faisalabad.
Warid didn’t confirm us anything regarding the value of its network rollout contract with Ericsson, however, in an earlier statement company had committed to invest some $400 million in Pakistan.
While we don’t have any deadline for the start of 4G services from Warid, sources hint that company will be able to offer something around or by end of September 2014.
