Mena Telecom committed to invest in the telecom sector in the Kingdom

In doing so, the regulation applied a framework that is consistent with international best practice and it is because of this that Mena Telecom can invest with great confidence. We are pleased to have this environment in the Kingdom and because of this we will continue to invest in world class technology and state-of-the-art solutions".

Deregulation of the telecom sector is bringing great benefits to the economy and creating a range of highly skilled employment opportunities for young people as the telecommunications industry in the Kingdom continues to grow.

In the information age, the availability of leading-edge telecommunications services at affordable prices is essential for both businesses and mass market consumers.

Liberalization of telecom sector has reinforced Kingdom's position as the regional telecommunications hub.

This has encouraged growth and expansion of the telecommunications industry, which is resulting in greater investment in telecom infrastructure, creating a virtuous circle from which the Kingdom will benefit.

Competition in the telecom sector is good for consumers and it is good for the Kingdom.

However it is essential that there is a balance between stimulating competition and creating the conditions for infrastructural investment to continue to flourish.

Through the implementation of a package of balanced regulatory measures, it is protecting consumers as well as creating the conditions, which will ensure ongoing investment in leading-edge infrastructure.

This liberalization of the telecommunication industry has benefited the Kingdom's economy in numerous ways including improving the cost position of businesses and increasing employment opportunities as a result of more telecom companies launching their services in the Kingdom.

Consumers now have a real choice when looking for telecom services and the cost of services to the consumer has never been lower.

While competition promises better service and lower prices for the consumer, the telecom companies also benefit from growth in revenues, as the number of their services have increased and become more diverse.

Mr. Jawahery continued "At Mena Telecom we see the preliminary steps taken by the regulator for the market definition, competition assessment and defining appropriate regulatory measures as a positive approach for the growth of the telecommunication sector in the future. We see the regulation work as being of great benefit to consumers and telecom operators alike".

Moreover, the regulator has to protect new operators investing in the telecom sector against the incumbent; as new operators are required to invest a considerable amount of money and resources in order to build and maintain telecommunication equipment and infrastructure.

Therefore, without the protection of the regulator, new operators will not see returns on their investments; as the incumbent, in most cases, has already established a solid foundation and has depreciated all of its investment and equipment.

Additionally, opening the market entry is in the interest of consumers because removing unnecessary barriers to entry in to the telecommunications market will promote more investments and growth. We see that this will be of great benefit to consumers and telecom operators alike.