Egyptian mobile operator Mobinil has awarded a multi-million euro contract to Alcatel-Lucent to expand its wireless network.

The infrastructure provider will expand and enhance Mobinil's wireless network with the latest generation of enhanced GSM radio solutions, enabling the Egyptian operator to increase its data transfer speeds while reducing its operating expenses.

The upgraded GSM network is slated to be operational by the end of the third quarter of 2007.

"Rapidly evolving market conditions combined with the ongoing introduction of innovative subscriber services and applications dictate the need for a high degree of flexibility and scalability in terms of our network infrastructure," Alex Shalaby, president and CEO of Mobinil said.

"We are confident that with Alcatel-Lucent's cutting-edge solutions and service support we are fully prepared for future network evolutions, including the introduction of 3G and WiMAX technologies," he added.