Green Packet Network launches operations in MENA region

The global company, which launched its Bahrain-based operations in February 2007, has introduced a new SON product range that offers flexible multimedia and VoIP services, based on cost effective, fast and reliable technology that is independent of the backbone infrastructure. The scalable SON products, designed for Telcos, enterprises and mobile work groups, incorporate technologies that are integral to the entire wireless value chain.

Commenting on GPN's operations in the region, Dr. Ali Al Mashat, Chairman of GPN and the former founding CEO of the Arab Satellite Communications Organisation (ARABSAT) said,

"This is a great opportunity to enhance the regional communications capabilities, as Green Packet provides high value integrated wireless solutions specifically designed for the MENA region. We are also offering broadband wireless solutions and services that are cheaper, faster and more reliable to the end users in this region."

"In addition, we combine the best in data, voice and multimedia streaming in one seamless mobile platform," Al Mashat added.

GPN has introduced three major products since its launch of operations in February, including the SONaccess, the SONbuddy and the SONmetro.

The SONaccess solution is designed to enable fixed-mobile convergence by presenting an integrated solution for secure seamless roaming between different WLAN networks, and between WLAN and wide-area 2.5G/3G networks. Its primary feature is the concurrent delivery of all media types, such as voice, data and video, independent of location and network type. The solution can be offered by Telcos directly to end users or by enterprise to its own workers as an extended mobile VPN.

Alternatively, the SONbuddy is a software platform that is designed to enable any Wi-Fi equipped device to form a spontaneous Self Organising Network (SON), without the need for an access point or other wireless infrastructure. All the users within the SON can communicate with each other using built-in applications like VoIP, Instant Messaging, File Exchange and Screen Sharing. SONbuddy is suitable for either corporate or individual users.

Additionally, the SONmetro is an innovative mesh-network solution over Wi-Fi that provides the ultimate wireless broadband experience using technology that adapts to available transmission opportunities. This enables the provision of wireless broadband connectivity at GSM type coverage with DSL/Cable data speeds and high speed mobility at a cost substantially lower than most wireless solutions.

The innovative solutions are earmarked to further encourage the spread of networked product adoption, as statistics indicate that the Middle Eastern ICT industry is moving towards a fixed-mobile convergence of networks, products and services. Research from Infonetics, an international market research and consulting firm, has revealed that worldwide sales of telecom and networking gear increased by 9 percent in 2006, of which one third of the sales originated from the MENA region. The research also predicts that sales of telecom and networking products will rise another 20 percent by 2010.

"The combination of technologies used in our products incorporates the changing communication dynamics and requirements of the marketplace and is perfectly adaptable to facilitate easier interaction among wireless broadband users," Al Mashat added.

GPN Bahrain is a joint venture between Green Packet Berhad, a Malaysian-based technology company; and Saudi Economic and Development Co., (SEDCO), a Saudi-based investment company.

Green Packet Berhad is a leading global developer of Next Generation Mobile Broadband Network solutions, with sales offices in Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Taipei, Singapore, Sydney, Manila and Manama.

SEDCO is a premier private wealth management and investment organization owned by the Bin Mahfouz family, with a portfolio of diverse investments distributed in Saudi Arabia and also internationally. SEDCO strives to combine sophisticated and modern fund management practices with strict Shari' a compliant investment.