Emirates Data Clearing House hosts international roaming group meeting

This is the first time this FSS Meeting has been held in the United Arab Emirates, away from its traditional European venues. The meeting is being attended by mobile operators from all over the world including Orange and Cegetel from France, Vodafone from the United Kingdom, Mobilkom from Austria and Swisscom from Switzerland as well as EDCH and Thuraya from the UAE.

'Holding this meeting in the UAE not only demonstrates the growth in international stature of Emirates Data Clearing House, but it also highlights the growing reputation of the Emirates as venue for international conferences and events,' commented Ahmed Almeyhas, Manager, Emirates Data Clearing House. 'Some of the biggest telecommunications companies in the world are attending this event to discuss issues facing the GSM industry.'

Proof of EDCH's growing international reputation can be found in its impressive client list. Since the beginning of this year, EDCH has signed new contracts with CelTel in Gabon, CelTel in Chad, CelTel in Burkina Faso, CelTel in Zambia, CelTel Tanzania and Vodacom Congo to take the total number of mobile operators using EDCH's services to 25. Additional contracts are expected to be signed with three more new clients by the end of 2002.

Emirates Data Clearing House (EDCH) was established in 1994 when GSM mobiles were launched in the UAE. EDCH's role is to provide a single point of support for the GSM roaming facility. Today it has grown in stature and is now well known all over the world, particularly in the Middle East and Africa, providing simplified roaming, better utilization of available resources and improved operator profitability for its clients.

EDCH is now working closely with third parties in areas that are seen as key markets with huge potential in the telecoms sector. It plans to extend its efforts in these regions by identifying prospective agents to complement its marketing efforts.

'2002 has been a very successful year so far and we see these marketing agreements as key to continued growth,' added Almeyhas. 'As the uptake of mobile phones grows around the world, and in particular in developing markets, then it is important that EDCH plays a role in that development. We participate at many international events and forums to raise awareness about our products and services and the fact that this FSS Meeting of the GSM Association is being held in the UAE shows we are succeeding.'

ENDS