Fanoos Telecom selected the Tellabs SmartCore 9160 platform to deploy 4G WiMAX services in northern Iraq. Fanoos chose the Tellabs SmartCore platform for its high performance and interoperability with multiple radio access network vendors.

Fanoos plans to begin WiMAX network deployment in the Iraqi cities of Sulaimaniyah, Mosul and Kirkuk. Rollout is expected to be complete by year-end.

As part of Tellabs Mobile Solutions, the Tellabs 9160 SmartCore platform enables high-capacity core network switching capabilities. Fanoos will be able to create an interoperable wireless broadband system that's ready for future expansion. Fanoos also will use the Tellabs 9190 element manager.

"This move is part of our strategy to offer the best wireless broadband services in Iraq," said Hiwa Rauf, CEO of Fanoos Telecom. "The interoperability of the Tellabs SmartCore™ platform enables us to develop a complete network and avoid single vendor lock-in. We are excited by the system's performance and capabilities."

"Fanoos Telecom is an exciting mobile operator, leading the way in a challenging market," said Rehan Jalil, senior vice president, IP and mobile Internet, at Tellabs. "The Tellabs SmartCore platform exceeds our customers' high demands. It's gaining popularity as 4G networks are deployed to empower the smart mobile Internet."

Tellabs Mobile Solutions enable location- and context-aware applications and services for the mobile Internet. Tellabs' mobile packet core platform, coupled with its mobile backhaul expertise, dramatically raise the IQ of mobile networks.

By providing the intelligence that makes networks content-, user- and context-aware, Tellabs enables service providers to deliver the smart mobile Internet. With that intelligence, operators can monetize content for new revenue streams, optimize network resources and improve the user experience.