MCI
Mobile Communication Company of Iran (MCI) also called Hamrah-e Avval or Hamrah Aval, is a key player in Iran’s telecom scene. As Iran’s top mobile network operator, MCI has a big effect on how millions of Iranians talk and stay in touch each day. The company’s path from its start to becoming a leader in the Iranian telecom market shows the quick growth of mobile tech and how it changes society.
This comprehensive review aims to examine MCI’s background, network setup, and the variety of services it provides to its customers.
We’ll look into the company’s beginnings and expansion, study the tech foundation that supports its work, and take a good look at the products and services that have made MCI well-known in Iran. By studying these areas, we’ll understand MCI’s part in shaping Iran’s digital scene and its work to keep up with global telecom trends.
History and Establishment of MCI
Founding in 1992
The Mobile Communication Company of Iran (MCI) also called Hamrah-e Avval or “the first companion” in Persian, started in 1992. This kicked off Iran’s entry into the mobile telecommunications world. MCI’s creation set the stage for what would grow into the country’s biggest and first mobile network operator.
Early growth and expansion
MCI grew and expanded in its early years. The company started operating in 1994 with a basic setup of 176 transmitters and receivers spread across 24 stations providing service to 9,200 cell phone numbers. At first, this system covered Tehran. However, the strong demand for mobile services soon forced MCI to broaden its coverage and boost its facilities.
By March 1997, MCI had extended its network to 134 cities. The company kept growing fast, and by March 2004, it reached 667 cities across Iran. This growth came with a big jump in subscriber numbers. MCI’s customer base went from 59,967 subscribers in 1994 to 3,449,878 by March 2004.
Transition to semi-private company
A key moment in MCI’s past happened on August 4, 2004. On that day, the Council of Ministers gave the go-ahead to change the Distance Measurement Center into the Mobile Communication Company of Iran. They made this choice after the Ministry of Communications and IT suggested it. This move lined up with the 3rd Socio-Economic and Cultural Development Plan of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
This change pushed MCI toward becoming a semi-private company. MCI turned into a part of the Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI). Tosee Etemad Mobin Company (TEMC) owns TCI. This switch in who owned MCI brought new ways of running things and managing the company.
In the years after this shift, MCI kept coming up with new ideas and growing its services. A big step forward happened in 2015 when the company rolled out 3G and 4G tech under a fresh brand name Notrino. This change boosted MCI’s abilities a lot and let it provide more cutting-edge services to its expanding customer base.
MCI’s Network Infrastructure
Coverage across Iran
MCI’s network infrastructure has grown a lot since it started. In 1994, it had 176 transmitters and receivers in 24 stations serving 9,200 cell phone numbers. The company expanded its coverage. By March 2004, MCI’s subscriber base had increased to 3,449,878. Its network coverage now reached 667 cities across Iran.
The company’s dedication to growing its reach has led to notable achievements. Recent figures show MCI covers over 1,120 cities across the country. This broad coverage also spans more than 52,000 km of nationwide road networks guaranteeing connectivity even while traveling.
Technology evolution (2G to 4G)
MCI has upgraded its technology to match global telecom trends. The company’s shift from 2G to 4G services shows its pledge to offer state-of-the-art services to its customers. In 2015, MCI made a big move by rolling out 3G and 4G technologies under a new brand name Notrino.
The use of these cutting-edge technologies has enabled MCI to provide better services and keep its competitive advantage in the market. As of 2020, 4G LTE population coverage in Iran has reached 90%. This quick tech progress has made MCI a front-runner in Iran’s telecom scene.
Network capacity and quality
MCI’s network capacity has grown over the years to keep up with the rising need for mobile services. In 1994, it had 59,967 subscribers. Now, the network has an impact on more than 43 million subscribers. This boost in capacity has gone hand in hand with a jump in the penetration rate. At the start of the 3rd Socio-Economic and Cultural Development Plan, this rate was 0.78%. By the end of the plan, it had climbed to 7.5%.
To keep its top spot in the market, MCI has worked on boosting its edge over rivals and its ability to come up with new ideas. The company’s focus on soaking up knowledge, which is key to being innovative and staying ahead, has helped it make its network better and stronger.
MCI’s work has led to 73.17% of people using mobile phones more than any other mobile company in Iran. The company has also made big steps in providing fast internet offering 3G and 4G in all cities. What’s more, MCI is the best at covering rural areas bringing fast internet to 45,000 villages, way more than its competitors.
Services and Products
Mobile telephony
MCI, Iran’s top mobile network operator, provides a wide range of mobile phone services. The company offers 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE services on the GSM platform. These include voice calls SMS, and MMS meeting various communication needs of its customers. MCI’s broad network coverage reaches over 1,120 cities across Iran ensuring people can connect in both city and country areas.
Internet and data services
MCI has made big progress in offering fast internet to its customers. In 2015, the company started its 3G network called “Notrino”. It then rolled out 4G services later that year, but at first 1 in 10 MCI customers could use them. Recent data shows 34% of Iran’s people now use 3G and 4G internet from local mobile companies. MCI tops this market with 13.1 million people using its internet services, including 12.8 million on 3G and 297,000 on 4G.
Value-added services
MCI provides many extra services to boost its main products. These extras play a big role in the company’s earnings. In the first four months of a recent year, these services brought in 393,443,780,000 Iranian tomans (about 33 million dollars). Here are some popular extras MCI offers:
- “Hamrah VAS”: The top-earning VAS bringing in 86,250,000,000 tomans in revenue.
- “Pezeshk”: A health service that falls under the Hamrah VAS umbrella.
- “Aval Market”: An app store that generates 21,153,000,000 tomans in revenue.
- “Boomerang”, “Gam-e-Aval”, and “Dastpokht”: Services you can access through the Beheshti Hub.
- “Rasanet”: A service that Mobin One Kish provides.
These value-added services show that MCI wants to expand its offerings and come up with new ideas to meet its customers’ changing needs.
Conclusion
Mobile Communication Company of Iran (MCI) stands out as a major force in shaping Iran’s telecom scene. Starting small and growing into the country’s top mobile network operator, MCI has shown impressive growth and flexibility. Its story mirrors the quick shifts in mobile tech and highlights how it has transformed the way millions of Iranians link up and talk .
MCI’s drive to grow its network coverage, bring in new tech, and offer lots of services has locked in its spot in the market. The company’s shift from 2G to 4G, plus its push for extra services, shows it’s keen to keep pace with global shifts and meet customers’ changing wants. As MCI keeps growing and coming up with new ideas, it’s set to keep shaping Iran’s digital future pushing what’s doable in mobile talk.
One Response
I traveled to Iran this spring for a vacation and purchased a SIM card from this company. In my country (Brazil), even in 2024, there are many areas outside of cities where there is no cell phone signal. However, in Iran, even in the most remote areas outside of cities, my phone had a signal. And most importantly, the people of Iran are very kind and cultured.