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The Middle East's first EDGE and WCDMA 3G network marks an important milestone in GSM evolution.

Future Communications Company (FCC), a value added re-seller of Nokia network solutions in Kuwait and Bahrain, has been chosen to build a GSM/EDGE WCDMA radio-access network for MTC-Vodafone in Bahrain. This will be the first implementation of an EDGE/WCDMA network in the Middle East. After implementation began in August, the first GSM call was made on 1st of September.

In addition, MTC Vodafone recently conducted the first EDGE call in the Middle East.

"The MTC Group of Companies has a long history and strong relationship with FCC and Nokia and I am very proud that we have been able to make a mark in the history books on behalf of the Government and people of Bahrain by bringing the best and latest technologies to the Middle East and their country first," said Dr. Saad Al Barrak, MTC-Vodafone's Director General.

"We are honored to have been selected to work with MTC-Vodafone on such a groundbreaking project," said Mr. Ali Behbahani, Partner, FCC Communications. "It is through their vision and determination that the technology world in the Middle East is moving forward at such a great pace. By supporting the introduction of new technologies such as 3G and EDGE we will have sustainable IT/mobile development for customers in the region and longevity in the networks we provide."

"We are very pleased to be closely involved in such a key milestone in this important region," says Jussi Wre, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Nokia Networks. "The network in Bahrain will be a showcase for the entire Middle East, demonstrating the benefits of EDGE and WCDMA 3G services. The live EDGE call that MTC-Vodafone has preformed is a powerful example of the high-speed advanced services that MTC-Vodafone will be able to offer its customers."

Under the agreement, FCC will deliver and implement a complete Nokia radio-access network, including GSM/EDGE/WCDMA base stations, base station controllers and other network equipment, plus operational support services. FCC will carry out the network implementation and integration, supported by Nokia.