Umniah finalizes phase three of network expansion in the Kingdom

The plan ensured Umniah's subscribers, who now number more than 750 thousand subscribers, top quality voice and data services without interruption, wherever they may be while at the same time enjoying Umniah's world class services such as voice messages and EDGE technology.

Umniah CEO Joseph Hanania said this plan is part of Umniah's relentless pursuit to develop its network and provide better coverage to its subscribers.

"Umniah managed to extend its network coverage to include 99% of populated areas in the Kingdom in a record time that did not exceed nine months .Thanks to Umniah's corps of engineers and technicians who enjoy unprecedented local and international expertise, Umniah's network is now one of the best in the region," Mr. Hanania told reporters at a press conference held today.

The process of expanding and upgrading Umniah's GSM 1800 network, included 660 sites around the Kingdom that provide solid, uninterrupted, high-quality voice calls while also using EDGE technology all around Jordan, Haytham Fatayer, Umniah's Engineering Director said.

"Umniah's network is the fastest growing network in the Kingdom. The network's structure has doubled six times in two years. It is also the only network in Jordan that can accommodate all market needs. Its coverage is seamless indoor and outdoor," Mr. Fatayer said.

"The network, which is 2.75G and 3G ready, can accommodate the increasing number of lines without compromising quality. It can also provide new and unprecedented services such as voice SMS, video streaming, vehicle tracking system, and call blocking" Mr. Fatayer added.

The network's first and second expansion phases entailed securing a full coverage all around Jordan while the third phase will focus on providing a better and deeper indoor coverage.

The network's future improvement scheme includes further sites to exceed more than 800 sites by adding another 150 sites to the existing network 80 of which are in Amman, 30 in Irbid and the northern region, 20 in Zarqa and the eastern region and 20 in Ma'an, Aqaba and the southern region.

It is worth noting that Umniah's network performance has achieved high levels of quality of service compared with operators inside and outside the Kingdom, whereas the rate of drop calls is less than five per thousand phone calls which is one of the best rates internationally. The congestion rate is less than 7 times per thousand calls, even at peak times, whereas the international rate is 1%.