Samsung Electronics and Bayanat Al-Oula lead the Mobile WiMAX revolution in the Middle East

According to the agreement, Samsung will supply Mobile WiMAX equipment and devices to Bayanat Al-Oula over a two year period beginning in 2007.

This partnership will result in the largest Mobile WiMAX deployment in the Middle East region. Bayanat Al-Oula plans to launch commercial services based upon Mobile WiMAX technology in four major cities; Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Makkah in 2007. Services will then be expanded nationwide.

Since the establishment of Bayanat Al-Oula in 2004, it has been actively developing its networks and operations to serve the Saudi Market and has accomplished a number of important milestones since being awarded the license.

Mr. Abdulmajeed Elshawa, CEO of Bayanat Al-Oula, said, "We envision that Mobile WiMAX will revolutionize data services in the same way that mobile network technology revolutionized voice services. Data services, such as high-speed internet access, video and audio streaming, and wireless VPN connectivity will transform the way end-users use these services and significantly enhance their value.

'The combination of Samsung's expertise in Mobile WiMAX technologies, and Bayanat's innovation, market knowledge and commitment to delivering value to customers will transform the telecoms industry in Saudi Arabia."

"As a global leader in Mobile WiMAX technologies, Samsung is excited to offer the latest in equipment and devices to the Middle East market in partnership with Bayanat Al-Oula," said Kitae Lee, President of Samsung Electronics Telecommunications Network Business.

"Mobile WiMAX will play an important role in advancing Saudi Arabia's telecommunication industry, and Samsung is very proud to be a contributor to the Saudi Arabian market. Samsung will continue to create and produce products that will lead the entire Middle Eastern region into a new era of telecommunications."

Mobile WiMAX is the ideal solution for establishing broadband data and voice communication into the Middle East, overcoming the region's geographical challenges. Thanks to its wireless connectivity and capabilities, an increase of Mobile WiMAX adoption is expected in other Middle East nations following the commercialization of Mobile WiMAX with Bayanat Al-Oula.

Samsung has already had successful experience in deploying Mobile WiMAX technology in other regions around the globe. Mobile WiMAX service was first commercialized in the Korean market in June of 2006 and has shown significant growth and expansion in other worldwide markets.

Samsung is now supplying equipment for trials and commercialization in Europe (Italy), Asia (Japan), North America (the U.S.), and South America (Venezuela and Brazil). Mobile WiMAX will soon be available in Saudi Arabia in 2007.