Zain Kuwait, Huawei to implement region's first 4.5G mobile broadband service

Kuwaiti mobile broadband users will soon be able to experience speeds of one gigabyte per second, thanks to Zain Kuwait's recent successful test of 4.5G mobile broadband service.

Zain hopes its 4.5G resources will make the company an even more effective player in feeding the global demand for high-speed broadband services, as streaming media, e-commerce and other high-speed network usage continues growing in popularity. Zain officials said its new 4.5G network will offer less latency and better overall functionality than the best technology currently on the market for individual users, as well as for governments and businesses.

"In line with our strategy to place customers at the forefront of our priorities, we were keen on being the first in the region to build the necessary expertise to test this advanced technology and achieve the successful results we saw in preparation to launch it commercially," Zain CEO Eaman Al Roudhan said.

The test was executed in partnership with Chinese telecommunications company Huawei, which partnered with Zain to open a Joint Innovation Center in Kuwait in 2014 and develop well-researched communication tools for the region.

"Our successful 4.5G trial together with Zain, the first in the region, is a significant milestone for the Middle East's entire telecommunications industry," Li Dafeng, president of Huawei Middle East and Africa, said. "Huawei will always serve our customer's strategy with original solutions, making it possible for local customers to enjoy the benefits of a better connected world."

Zain officials said they expect their 4.5G services to be available within three years, based on compatible support devices and equipment also becoming available on the market.