Ooredoo Group and Nokia have signed a major framework agreement in Doha to support Ooredoo's long-term development strategy across its footprint in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia. Under the five-year contract Nokia will provide advanced mobile broadband technologies and professional services to help Ooredoo Group ensure superior 2G, 3G, 4G and LTE-A networks to offer advanced voice and data services for its customers across its range of mature and emerging markets.

The markets include the North African regions of Tunisia and Algeria.

In the renewed agreement, the terms and conditions have been revised to include global best practices in terms of delivery and technology for the benefit of both companies.

According to a statement released by the companies, Ooredoo has offered 4G+ in Qatar and Kuwait, and 4G in Oman, Tunisia, and the Maldives, in addition to launching the first commercial 3G in Algeria and Myanmar.

"Frame agreements such as the one signed with Nokia are one of the tools the Group uses to reinforce its leadership position,' the statement claims.

Ahmed Al-Derbesti, chief operating officer of Ooredoo Group, said: "Working with Nokia, Ooredoo has designed and built a range of leading-edge networks that enable us to enrich our customers' lives. This renewed framework agreement is significant, as it covers the delivery of all the latest technologies and support services helping us further enhance our network capacity and coverage."

Ashish Chowdhary, executive vice president and chief business officer, Nokia Networks, said: "We value our long-term partnership with Ooredoo, and are committed to helping it provide world-class voice and data services, and meet burgeoning data demand. Our hands-on innovation approach enables mobile broadband networks to deliver gigabytes of personalised data per user per day profitably and securely by 2020. With our latest innovations we will support Ooredoo to prepare for the huge data demand, and provide high-speed data services with improved network coverage, in addition to clearer voice call services to ensure the ultimate personal gigabyte experience."