MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) takes 3G wireless services nationwide in Bahrain

The announcement was unveiled during a press conference, held at the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Center and attended by over 70 media representatives (local, regional and international) from across the Middle East.

MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) has operated a 3G network in the three main areas in the kingdom since December 2003. Together with Seef District, Diplomat area and the University of Bahrain - Sakhir Campus which had full 3G at launch, all stations across the entire island now support 3G mobile communications services, including high quality voice and video mobile communication and data transmission.

With the expansion, MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) will be able to introduce to all mobile users in Bahrain a new lifestyle, by offering advanced mobile services like high-speed Internet access, e-mail with attached files, image and video downloading, and video streaming.

Dr. Saad Al-Barrak, Chief Executive Officer at MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) welcomed the media and gave them a brief update on the Group's achievements during last year. He said: "MTC has enjoyed a successful year with the launch of MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) and its' innovative launches, the launch of Atheer in Iraq (which covers the south border in Iraq along with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia) and the management contract of the Lebanese mobile operator MTC Touch, formally known as Libancell. In Kuwait, MTC-Vodafone has maintained its leading position by offering its customers the latest services and technology, which has increased its customer base to 1.2 million customers."

"Our vision is to strengthen the position of MTC Group as a global player in the telecom sector and achieve our first 3-year goal of obtaining a customer base of more than 5 million by the end of 2005," continued Al-Barrak.

Representing MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) at this event, Khalid Al Farkh, Chief Operating Officer briefed the media on Bahrain's operations, he said: "We are continuously working to bring our customers the best in high-speed mobile services," said Khalid Al Farkh, Chief Operating Officer at MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain). "We had a victorious first year and we are proud of our achievements. Within less than one year, we have exceeded the 100,000 customer base and it is our aim to continue delighting our customers", continued Al Farkh.

Ismael Fikree, Chief Technology Officer at MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) delivered a presentation introducing the media to the 'technology' face of the company. He stated, "Our successful deployments of 2.5G and 3G have kept us at the forefront of wireless services in the Kingdom and the region. Our experience in wireless network deployments has enabled us to provide current and potential customers with the most extensive array of high-speed (which offers similar speeds to broadband) mobile services available today in Bahrain and in the Middle East", added Fikree.

MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) will now offer 3G services nationwide in Bahrain starting from mid-January 2005. To enjoy this range of new services, MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain)'s customers need only use a 3G mobile phone.

"We've integrated our technology with Nokia, Siemens, ITS and Cisco, and as a world-class mobile services provider, it is crucial that we work with other world leaders", commented Fikree. "Our technology business partners help us develop our objectives and business in the long term. We are really thankful for their continuous efforts and unprecedented achievements," added Fikree.