Zain Iraq Signs Deal With Motorola To Upgrade Network

AMMAN (Zawya Dow Jones)--Zain Iraq, operated by Kuwait-based Zain Group (ZAIN.KW) signed a multi-million dollar contract with Motorola, Inc. (NYSE.MOT) to upgrade its network performance in Iraq, Motorola said in a statement posted on its Web site.

Exact financial terms for the three-year contract, which will enhance Zain Iraq's overall network performance, were not revealed.

Zain Iraq is the leading mobile provider in the country with over 10.7 million subscribers as of September 2009, ahead of AsiaCell's 7.6 million, Korek Telecom's 2.6 million. Iraq has a mobile penetration rate of 70.68% since September 2009.

The Iraqi government is not satisfied with the performance of the existing three mobile operators to date and in May levied fines totaling more than $20 million for poor service and not honoring contracts.