Motorola and MTC make first UMTS call in Kuwait

February 16, 2005

Motorola and MTC announced the completion of the first UMTS point-to-point video and voice calls across a live air connection in Kuwait. The calls were made as part of the UMTS trial MTC is conducting using Motorola's system.

As part of this trial, Motorola has delivered a trial UMTS network to MTC, including Horizon 3G base stations, which offers a low dropped-call rate that is comparable to high-performing GSM levels, providing users with excellent quality of service.

"We continue to see progress in the rollout of UMTS across EMEA, and this trial with MTC is another step in our continued strategy to help operators unlock the potential of 3G services," said Margaret Rice-Jones, Corporate Vice President and Region Management, Motorola Networks EMEA. "It is especially important for operators in the Middle East to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market, and this trial will enable MTC to observe the growth opportunities that 3G services can provide."

"Our goal is to continually provide innovative services and improved user experience to our customers," said Dr. Saad Al Barrak, Director General, Mobile Telecommunications Company. "We have a long history with Motorola and the expertise, quality and value that Motorola brings to our business makes it the best choice to help us bring our network closer to a new era of mobile services for our customers."

The announcement is part of an ongoing relationship with MTC. In 2004, Motorola was selected to provide an EDGE network for MTC. It was also the supplier of GSM base stations and infrastructure for MTC Atheer, a consortium of Iraqi investors led by MTC of Kuwait. MTC Atheer's GSM network will provide communications services to the Iraqi people in the central and southern region.