GO Telecom implements Metro fiber network in cooperation with ZTE Corporation
Etihad Atheeb Telecom Co.”GO” signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ZTE Corporation on Monday, March 21 to deploy fiber-optic network within the cities (Metro Fiber Ring). The first phase of this network implementation project will start in Riyadh city and will serve the government sectors and business (FTTB) and homes (FTTH).
Eng. Zaid Al Shabanat, Chief Executive of GO Telecom stated “We are pleased to sign this Memorandum of Understanding, which represents a new step towards building the most advanced telecommunications network in the Kingdom. The new fiber-optics network integrates with the Fourth Generation (4G) wireless communications technology, WiMAX 802.16e, to provide GO Telecom products & services that meet the needs of government, business and home sectors, both for Broadband Internet service and Voice services, and opens up more opportunities to provide other Value-Added Services. The second phase of the project will continue in each of the cities of Jeddah and Dammam. Building a new fiber optics network will reinforce the infrastructure of the company and its competitive standing in the Saudi market and will establish a long-term partnership with ZTE Corporation. It should be noted that the founding partners of Etihad Atheeb Telecom Co. “GO” have committed to 65% share upon the raise of company capital.”
GO launches digital voice product in Saudi Arabia
GO (Etihad Atheeb Telecom), a leading telecom services provider in Saudi Arabia has launched the company’s latest digital voice product, GO Terhal†thus introducing a revolutionary concept for the first time in the Kingdom.
According to the company, GO Terhal provides a range of unique features starting with the ability to transform any smart device (iPod Touch, iPad, and Samsung Galaxy Tab) to a phone device to make local and international calls and receive calls free of charge, with a special number from GO starting with 08111.
Besides, any smart phone device (iPhone, Galaxy S, HTC, Sony Ericsson, Nokia, and Blackberry) running on operating systems such as (iOS, Google Android, Smibian^3, and Windows Phone 7) or any Personal computer or Laptop (Windows, MAC, Linux), can work without a SIM Card and with the ability to customize infinite numbers on one device and ability to share one number among infinite number of devices.
GO Terhal†can be downloaded free of charge from any of the popular App Stores such as iTunes App Store, Ovi Store and Google Android. Calls within GO Terhal†network are free of charge during launch period.
According to Raed Kayal, acting Chief Executive of GO Telecom, the company is pleased to launch the Digital calling service GO Terhalâ€, which is a significant step for both the company and the Saudi telecom market, as a varied number of segments inside and outside Saudi Arabia will benefit from this high-definition voice service. The company’s aim is to fully utilize their advanced infrastructure and increase the number of subscribers as every internet user inside or outside the Saudi Arabia is a potential customer regardless of their internet service provider.
GO launches low-cost calling card for pilgrims (Saudi Arabia)
Etihad Atheeb Telecom ‘GO’, the first 4G (Cloud Telecom) operator in Saudi Arabia, has launched low-cost international calling cards, to help Hajj pilgrims. The card can be used to make calls to any destinations around the world for just US$0.14 per minute.
As per the company, the card is the safest choice for high quality international calls at competitive rates; pilgrims may devote their attention to performing Hajj Manasek without risking the loss of their mobile devices.
Moreover, the card can be purchased immediately without the need for personal identification or documentation. The International Calling Card is available through ‘GO’ outlets in Makkah.
Go articulated eagerness to acquire Zain Saudi Subsidiary
Saudi Arabia’s Etihad Atheeb Telecom (Go) has expressed its interest in acquiring the Saudi assets of Kuwait’s Zain if the takeover by UAE’s Etisalat is successful. Etisalat is currently offering to buy control of Zain in a US$12 billion deal, which is currently undergoing due diligence.
As per the reports, if Zain Saudi is put up for sale there will be an opportunity, and both companies will complement each other.
Zain holds 25% stake in the Saudi network, but Etisalat also operates a mobile network in the county, leading to expectation that it will have to sell the Zain KSA network stake to another company. The stake is currently valued at around US$751 million.
According to Bahrain Telecommunications (Batelco) previous statements, it would be interested in bidding for Zain KSA, and is also a 15% shareholder in Etihad Atheeb Telecom, and the synergies between the mobile and landline networks could help the two firms to cut costs significantly.
