Vodafone partners with Iran's HiWeb to improve infrastructure

Vodafone has partnered with Iran’s HiWeb to provide telecoms infrastructure and internet of things services.

Vodafone agreed to modernise the Iranian internet service provider's network and IT infrastructure by expanding fixed and mobile internet services under the HiWeb brand in the country, while also providing marketing, sales and internet of things services.

In return, the agreement would let Vodafone provide its corporate customers with fixed and mobile services in Iran.

Vodafone partner markets chief executive, Diego Massidda, said the partnership would benefit both parties.

"Vodafone's corporate customers will get the benefit of quality network services in the country - including in rural areas - and HiWEB will be able to access Vodafone's global expertise to support the roll out of products, infrastructure and the launch of IoT services in Iran."

HiWeb chief executive and chairman, Seyed Iman Miri, said Iran's telecom market has potential for new investment and expansion of fixed and mobile broadband services.

“The partnership with Vodafone allows us to utilise Vodafone's vast experience and knowledge in this field. This helps HiWeb in realising its ambitious plan to be a leading operator in Iran's telecom market and offers our customers a whole suite of innovative and new services such as high quality wireless broadband, internet of things and a wide range of enterprise services."

In January economic sanction on Iran were lifted after it agreed to scale back its nuclear activities, in a deal reached with world powers in July 2015. The lifting of sanctions has opened up the largely untapped emerging market to international trade and investment.