Wireless Federation

Huawei Technologies (”Huawei”), a leader in providing next generation telecommunications network solutions for operators around the world, today announced it has successfully deployed the largest High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) network in the Middle East and North Africa region for Etisalat in UAE. This network covers 97 percent of the populated areas in the country and Etisalat was able to support more than one million 3G end-users that signed up within the first five months of 2007.

Solely constructed by Huawei in 2003, Etisalat’s original 3G network was MENA’s first high-speed next-generation mobile network. In 2006, Etisalat again contracted Huawei as its sole partner to expand its 3G infrastructure as well as upgrade the network to HSPA. Huawei’s high-performance HSPA solution incorporates advanced technology IP-based Radio Access Network (RAN) that supports higher data throughput while reducing transmission costs. As a 3.5G mobile technology, HSPA delivers very high-speed data transfer, even faster than alternative fixed-line broadband services.

Customers in UAE with 3G enabled-handsets can now enjoy smooth web browsing, clear video calling and fluent mobile TV entertainment without the need to change their SIM cards. In addition, Etisalat is able to offer access to television programs in dual English and Arabic languages using Huawei’s versatile mobile television solution.

Today, Etisalat’s 3G/3.5G network provides the highest quality coverage across the UAE. Huawei has built unified 2G/3G networks and mobile value-added data service platforms, as well as transmission and data communication equipment for Etisalat in Egypt. Huawei also provides 2G/3G solutions for Etisalat’s subsidiary Mobily in Saudi Arabia and infrastructure required for a GSM network covering 1,500 cities and towns for Etisalat’s subsidiary Ufone in Pakistan.

Mr. Han Junjie, Vice President of MENA region, Huawei said that: “I feel glad that Huawei has successfully delivered the largest HSPA network in MENA region and helped one million Etisalat 3G subscribers access the network. Huawei has reinforced the strategic partnership with Etisalat and accumulated another precious experience in large-scale deployment of 3G network. With the regional footprint, Huawei will be more experienced to build high-quality networks helping Etisalat to be among the leading operators in the world. ”

About Etisalat

Emirates Telecommunications Corporation – Etisalat has been the telecommunications service provider in the UAE since 1976, it provides wireless, fixed, and integrated service including internet services to the UAE for more than 30 years. Today, Etisalat’s serves 5.5 million mobile subscribers in the UAE, a penetration of nearly 125% - the highest in the region and among the highest in the world.

Etisalat stood among the  top 500 corporations in the world in terms of market capitalization in 2005 and 2006, and is ranked by the UK-based The Middle East magazine as the sixth largest company in the Middle East in terms of capitalization and revenues.
About Huawei Technologies
Huawei Technologies is a leader in providing next generation telecommunications networks, and now serves 31 of the world’s top 50 operators, along with over one billion users worldwide. The company is committed to providing innovative and customized products, services and solutions to create long-term value and growth potential for its customers.

Wireless Mobile Telecom Wireless News
 

Huawei Technologies (”Huawei”), a leader in providing next generation telecommunications network solutions for operators around the world, today announced it has successfully deployed the largest High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) network in the Middle East and North Africa region for Etisalat in UAE. This network covers 97 percent of the populated areas in the country and Etisalat was able to support more than one million 3G end-users that signed up within the first five months of 2007.

Solely constructed by Huawei in 2003, Etisalat’s original 3G network was MENA’s first high-speed next-generation mobile network. In 2006, Etisalat again contracted Huawei as its sole partner to expand its 3G infrastructure as well as upgrade the network to HSPA. Huawei’s high-performance HSPA solution incorporates advanced technology IP-based Radio Access Network (RAN) that supports higher data throughput while reducing transmission costs. As a 3.5G mobile technology, HSPA delivers very high-speed data transfer, even faster than alternative fixed-line broadband services.

Customers in UAE with 3G enabled-handsets can now enjoy smooth web browsing, clear video calling and fluent mobile TV entertainment without the need to change their SIM cards. In addition, Etisalat is able to offer access to television programs in dual English and Arabic languages using Huawei’s versatile mobile television solution.

Today, Etisalat’s 3G/3.5G network provides the highest quality coverage across the UAE. Huawei has built unified 2G/3G networks and mobile value-added data service platforms, as well as transmission and data communication equipment for Etisalat in Egypt. Huawei also provides 2G/3G solutions for Etisalat’s subsidiary Mobily in Saudi Arabia and infrastructure required for a GSM network covering 1,500 cities and towns for Etisalat’s subsidiary Ufone in Pakistan.

Mr. Han Junjie, Vice President of MENA region, Huawei said that: “I feel glad that Huawei has successfully delivered the largest HSPA network in MENA region and helped one million Etisalat 3G subscribers access the network. Huawei has reinforced the strategic partnership with Etisalat and accumulated another precious experience in large-scale deployment of 3G network. With the regional footprint, Huawei will be more experienced to build high-quality networks helping Etisalat to be among the leading operators in the world. ”

About Etisalat

Emirates Telecommunications Corporation – Etisalat has been the telecommunications service provider in the UAE since 1976, it provides wireless, fixed, and integrated service including internet services to the UAE for more than 30 years. Today, Etisalat’s serves 5.5 million mobile subscribers in the UAE, a penetration of nearly 125% - the highest in the region and among the highest in the world.

Etisalat stood among the  top 500 corporations in the world in terms of market capitalization in 2005 and 2006, and is ranked by the UK-based The Middle East magazine as the sixth largest company in the Middle East in terms of capitalization and revenues.
About Huawei Technologies
Huawei Technologies is a leader in providing next generation telecommunications networks, and now serves 31 of the world’s top 50 operators, along with over one billion users worldwide. The company is committed to providing innovative and customized products, services and solutions to create long-term value and growth potential for its customers.

Wireless Mobile Telecom Wireless News
 

Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications News | Profile | Officers   is about to hit a new low a low-priced phone, that is.

Beginning in the first quarter of 2008, the world’s fourth-biggest cellphone maker is set to unveil a range of affordable phones to challenge Nokia’s market dominance.

Until now, Sony-EricssonSony-EricssonSony Ericsson Mobile Communications News | Profile | Officers  has focused on mid and high-end smart phones, heavily marketing its camera and music features. One of its smart phones was showcased in the latest James Bond thriller, Casino Royale, in a high-profile product placement.

“We want to be in the top three for mobile phones in the short to medium term,” said Husni El Assi, general manager of Sony EricssonSony EricssonSony Ericsson Mobile Communications News | Profile | Officers  Middle East and North Africa. “To reach that, we have been working on strengthening our entry portfolio.”

In March it signed an agreement for French electronics firm Sagem to produce its new entry-level devices, which will be priced around $60 - slightly more costly than Nokia but with a few additional features, El Assi said.

Nokia phones sell for as little as $20 to $30, and it has enjoyed a clear lead in Middle East and African markets, bolstered by its range of affordable phones that appeal to many in these emerging nations.

“This move is extremely important because we cover a wide area in the Middle East and North Africa where countries are developing,” said El Assi. “You see a clear demand for entry level products. In some countries it makes up over 80 per cent of the market.”

The challenge it faces, El Assi said, is to ensure the Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications News | Profile | Officers  brand retails its high-gloss appeal even as it produces more affordable devices.

“We don’t want to be the cheapest phones on the market,” he said. “When we go into entry level products we make sure our phones follow the Sony Ericsson Mobile CommunicationsNews | Profile | Officers  touch and feel.”

The fruits of the partnership with Sagem will provide an as-yet unspecified number of entry level devices. To support this push Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications  News | Profile | Officers  will open sales and marketing offices in East Africa and Egypt.

If it is successful, it will be one step closer to achieving its goal of displacing Samsung or Motorola as the third-largest cellphone maker within the next five years.

“Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications News | Profile | Officersincreasing fast,” noted Simon Baker, telecom analyst at IDC, a market research firm.

The company currently holds a nine per cent global market share, a Reuters poll found.
 

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Qatar Telecom (Qtel) and A.A. Turki Corporation for Trading and Contracting of Saudi Arabia (ATCO) completed their joint venture investment to purchase a 75 percent stake in Pakistani telecom operator Burraq Telecom. Burraq is an established operator licensed to offer a full range of telecommunications services across Pakistan, including long distance international and wireless local loop. Following the investment of the Qtel/ATCO joint venture and further capital contributions, Burraq plans to invest approximately USD 80 million in the coming few years to deploy and operate BWA/WiMAX networks within Pakistan. The Qtel/ATCO investment in Burraq is a part of the joint venture’s strategy to jointly develop and operate BWA services, including WiMAX and other complementary services, in markets in the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa. Qtel owns a 51 percent stake in the joint venture.

Wireless Mobile Telecom Wireless News

Telegeography writes…Pan-African cellular group MTN reported a 49% increase in turnover to ZAR52 billion (USD7.66 billion) in 2006. The rise was attributed both to organic subscriber growth and the acquisition of the Investcom group, which has operations across the Middle East. EBITDA was up 53% to ZAR22 billion, while net profits rose to ZAR10.6 billion. The group said customer numbers were up 73% year-on-year to over 40 million, including around 16 million in the South and East Africa region, 20 million in West Africa and around five million in North Africa and the Middle East.

Wireless Mobile Telecom

TradeArabia writes…Telecoms in the Middle East faced good prospects in 2007, says a Fitch Ratings report.

In most established Middle Eastern markets substantial mobile growth seems unlikely, although Fitch sees significant growth opportunities in Egypt and North Africa.

Regional telecoms operators will continue to focus on international expansion, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Qatar where opportunities abound.

Fitch notes that investments in infrastructure will stabilise and capital expenditure as a percentage of revenues will fall for most regional telecoms operators in 2007.

Cash generation is improving for key Russian operators, while strong mobile growth will continue in many markets in the Middle East.

The growth in the mobile markets is likely to subside considerably in both Russia and Ukraine, while Kazakhstan still faces good opportunities.

Fitch expects Russian mobile companies to improve cash flow generation and significantly increase shareholder distributions, although these are unlikely to be excessive in relation to earnings.

Although industry consolidation is largely over, key regional players may become acquisition targets of large international operators.

Wireless Mobile Telecom 

CCNmatthews writes…JumpTV Inc. (AIM: JTV) (TSX: JTV) (www.jumptv.com), the world’s leading broadcaster of ethnic television over the Internet, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with LINKdotNET to market all of JumpTV’s channels on a subscription basis across each of the company’s 10 web portals including the #1 portal in the region MSN Arabia. MSN Arabia alone has more than 8,000,000 unique visitors per month, of which a significant number reside in North America and Europe.

Owned by telecommunications giant, Orascom Telecom Holding Company (CASE: ORTE), LINKdotNET owns and operates 10 portals including MSN Arabia, Masrawy.com, Mazika.com, ArabFinance, Yallabina.com, CareerMidEast.com, bSolutions.com, El3ab.com, Otlob.com and Yallakora.com.

The agreement will provide LINKdotNET users with access to all of JumpTV’s 250+ channels with a focus on JumpTV’s 45 Arab-focused channels including Aljazeera, Aljazeera English, MBC 1, Al Arabiya, Dubai TV, Mehwar Channel and 2M.

“The core element of this partnership revolves around the ability of LINKdotNET users to join the JumpTV community with one click. We are confident that this will significantly increase our baseline subscriber numbers and lower our subscriber acquisition costs,” said Kaleil Isaza Tuzman, president and chief executive officer of JumpTV International.

“LINKdotNET is dedicated to providing users in the region with the most innovative relevant internet-based services. As Internet television increases in popularity, it is important that our users have access to video content that they will find relevant to their own lives,” said Mohamed Sultan, chief products officer of LINKdotNET.

Sultan continued, “JumpTV provides an offering that allows our portals to carry an unparalleled array of television programming and affords our users living away from home with access to more than 250 television channels from 70 countries that would typically only be available within a specific country or region.”

Amir Hegazi, JumpTV’s general manager for the Middle East and North Africa group commented, “With the addition of LINKdotNET as a partner, JumpTV’s television channels will now be available on the top Arab-focused portals around the world — increasing our exposure to a key market for the Company.”

JumpTV’s streamed content will be presented through the LINKdotNET’s portals as part of a broadband content offering which is slated to launch by First Quarter, 2007.

Wireless Mobile Telecom

TotalTele writes…Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) today announced the deployment of a nationwide 3G mobile broadband network in Kuwait for MTC Kuwait, an MTC Group Operation, including High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) to further increase download speeds and improve the user experience of new services.  

“Enhanced speed, quality and variety are what our mobile-centric subscriber base is looking for in Kuwait when it comes to broadband services,�? said Mr. Barrak Al Sabeeh, general manager of MTC Kuwait.

“Motorola’s high performance network solution will enable MTC to provide customers with a compelling portfolio of services such as video conferencing, which is steadily gaining popularity here in the Middle East,�? added Al Sabeeh.

HSDPA delivers high speed mobile access, thereby enabling the delivery of innovative solutions and applications to consumers and enterprise users, which is a focus market segment for MTC Kuwait.

“With the new HDSPA deployment, MTC customers who opt for 3G services will benefit from faster download speeds and capacity for streamed content. MTC will now be among the first telecom operators in the Middle East to provide these services. MTC has enjoyed a strong relationship with Motorola for over a decade, and only works with selected service providers worldwide,�? continued Al Sabeeh.

“This is a significant deployment for us in the region and clearly reflects Motorola’s growing success in the Middle East and the technical strength of our UMTS and HSDPA solutions. We remain committed to supporting MTC Kuwait in providing wireless subscribers in Kuwait with these services, while building its brand and helping to drive new revenue opportunities through increased subscriber usage and loyalty,�? said Ali Amer, vice president, Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan, Motorola Networks & Enterprise.

This new network will enable MTC Kuwait to address new opportunities for multi-media services, expanding capacity, availability and broadband capabilities to support more voice and data transmission in Kuwait.

Wireless Mobile Telecom