Increased mobile data usage means Middle East users will experience new applications

The Middle East is set to see new applications and services on mobile networks that will considerably improve convenience and simplicity for mobile phone users in the near future, according to Dr. Jan Cron, Head of Middle East and Africa at Nokia Siemens Networks.

Recently having celebrated the first anniversary of Nokia Siemens Networks, Dr. Cron has noted that the telecoms market in the MEA region is now dynamically evolving with 300 million additional users set to connect to mobile networks across the Middle East and Africa by 2010.

"Recent network infrastructure improvements and upgrades mean that users across the Middle East can expect to see a range of new services and applications, such as mobile television, data access and transfer, video conferencing and micro-payment services," explained Dr. Cron.

Services such as micro-payment services can be used to make payments using mobile handsets as actual point of sales terminals.

Video conferencing can allow users to see and talk to each other at the same time.

Nokia Siemens Networks sees improved connectivity and presence in over 44 countries in the Middle East and Africa as indicative of its support for globalization and the benefits that it brings to these nations.

With increasing potential gains for many countries within this region, Nokia Siemens Networks is committed to developing connectivity with a vision to connect 5 billion people by 2015 and is uniquely positioned to connect one billion people across the Middle East and Africa.

"As well as traditional voice services, users across the region will be able to fully realize the potential of their mobile handsets. Considering how much easier it is to buy a handset and connect to a mobile network, over buying a laptop and connecting the Internet, these services are set to change not only the way we conduct business but also the way we live, added Cron.

One example is video conferencing, where paramedics can provide instant real-time video images of patients to doctors in hospitals who can provide expert advice and support - improving medical access and support.

Nokia Siemens Networks has already begun efforts to meet the demands for more connections across the region through its considerable resources: scale, global reach, expertise, portfolio, services strength and solutions focus.

Nokia Siemens Networks has recorded some of its largest deals right here in the region, with Zain in Saudi Arabia accounting for almost $1bn for mobile network deployment and management.

In Africa, Vodafone Tanzania will connect rural and suburban communities for the first time with Nokia Siemens Networks' 'Village Connection' - realizing communications for unconnected communities and offering new means for development.