Fastlink extends the validity of the prepaid card to one year

The measure, the first of its kind on both the local and regional levels, sets the scene for a new era, which will see further penetration of the mobile and avail it to people from all walks of society.

"The move came after a thorough analysis of market and customer needs," said Fastlink CEO Mohammad Saqer on announcing the launch of the amended service, adding that the aim was to introduce a fundamental addition to mobile communications in the Kingdom. He said Fastlink "was the first to introduce the pre-paid card service, and today it continues to take the lead in developing the service."

Saqer explained that extending the validity of the pre-paid card is seen to contribute to furthering the spread of the mobile among sectors of society, irrespective of their income, as it exempts customers from monthly expenses and allows them more freedom and control over their mobile bills. "They don't have to give up their numbers any more," he added.

The new cards, available in the market as of March 20th, can be purchased by all Fastlink customers including Easy Link and Razor at a variety of credit value, ranging between JD3, 5, 9, 12, 20 and JD36.

Pre-paid card customers among the Jordan Armed Forces staff, public corporations (PC1) and students 101 would also enjoy the one-year validity of calls received as of the date of deducting the monthly subscription fee.

On the occasion of its 10th anniversary, Fastlink has designed a host of new services and products, which will be launched in the course of this year, according to Saqer. He said new packages have been designed relying on advanced technologies and taking advantage of the enormous world developments in the mobile industry, also with a view to the increasing demand on mobile services by individuals and institutions alike.

Saqer said Fastlink will introduce new efficient services at affordable rates, taking into consideration the needs and financial condition of all social groups. He pointed out that mobile tariffs in Jordan are the lowest in comparison to countries in the region and the rest of the world. "Despite this fact, Fastlink will continue its policy of rebalancing its services in accordance with its strategy of targeting new customer groups in the local market by offering them attractive offers, quality service and added value.

Fastlink's new services rely heavily on advanced technologies and a strategic vision that foresees the future advancements in mobile technologies and market developments on the local, regional and international levels.

"We have always ensured high quality service to our customers, also bearing in mind their varying income levels and personal needs," said Fastlink Chief Marketing Officer Bashar Arafeh, pointing out that Fastlink's pre-paid card customers make up a large percentage of the Company's client base, which is common with most providers in the region and the world.

Arafeh affirmed Fastlink's keen interest in providing the largest variety of products that meet the varying needs of customers. "The new card is a revolution in the mobile market, namely the pre-paid card service," added Arafeh, saying that it allows customers to pick and choose from an array of options that suit both needs and budget of the user. He also said that the Company would continue to assert its leading position in the mobile market by working to achieve a high degree of customers' satisfaction and always be innovative in its services.

According to Arafeh, the year 2004 witnessed remarkable success in voice and data services. The new pre-paid card, he added, adds to previous achievements, including VPN, which targeted the business sector in the Kingdom, allowing individuals to make a fast and easy call by dialing short numbers at reduced rates, in addition to Kalam packages, which were met with wide appreciation by pre-paid card customers, enabling them to pick one of three credit options; Kalam Khafif, Kalam Wafir, and Kalam el-Kull, in accordance with the frequency and duration of the phone calls they make.

Fastlink, which enjoys the largest customer base in the Kingdom, with the number of customers exceeding 1.2 million, out of 1.7 million, adopts an ambitious strategy that aims to spread the mobile service across all areas of the Kingdom to reach all sectors of society. This strategy views the mobile phone as communications tool, which contributes to economic growth and creating new work opportunities for many individuals. Furthermore, Fastlink foresees a further increase in mobile users as a result of its marketing policies ranging between 30-60% over the coming few years, a relatively high percentage in view of the per capita of Jordanians. Mobile penetration in Jordan made a record increase during a short period of time, also as a result of Fastlink's marketing strategies, including among other things, the creation of a large network of retailers, who cover all areas of the Kingdom.