Fastlink and Jawal customers on both sides will get new services & reductions on call rates

At a ceremony marking the declaration of the joint venture, Fastlink CEO Mohammad Saqer affirmed the importance of cooperation between the two companies, saying the agreement also embodied the good relations between the two brotherly nations. "We hope this agreement would become a model for Arab and regional cooperation, added Saqer, pointing that the partnership came to existence during a short period of time as a result of concerted efforts by the two sides.

Saqer said the communications markets in Jordan and Palestine are witnessing fierce competition at the present time, namely in the mobile telephony, making the agreement a timely step towards consolidating efforts with the aim of better serving customers in both countries.

Despite the difficult circumstances that Palestinians are going through, Jawal has proven to possess the potential for growth and is capable of attracting more customers and introducing new services to the public, according to Saqer, "which makes Jawal a model of perseverance and a source of pride to all of us," he said.

"This agreement builds on Fastlink's ten year old march, and marks a new achievement," said Saqer in his remarks at the ceremony. However, he added the company would continue to launch new plans and projects, the impact of which will be felt not only by Jordanians but also by the Arab and international scenes.

Fastlink has always been keen to stay tuned to technological advances around the world and to meeting the needs of the various sectors of the Jordanian society, said Saqer, working to improve people's living standards by availing them modern technologies and new services, he added. "And this demands that we enter into economic partnerships with other operators so as to enhance our capabilities and enrich our experience in the area of mobile telephony."

During the current year Fastlink hopes to launch a wide range of new services relying on advanced technologies, and looking to exploit the huge potential of mobile communications, represented by the increasing demand on mobile services by individuals and companies alike. According to Saqer, upcoming services would cater to all social groups at affordable rates.

Jawal CEO Hakam Kanafani said "the launch of the agreement came following extensive efforts by both sides to bring this cooperation to light," adding that such a step between two pioneer companies in the communications sector will bring forth new services and help decrease tariffs for the benefit of customers on both sides. He said that since its establishment, Jawal has worked to connect the Palestinian people together, particularly during the difficult present circumstances. He expressed hope that together with Fastlink, "Jawal would see further advancement and progress in this emerging sector, thanks to the expertise and innovative solutions available for both companies.

Kanafani said Jawal has witnessed substantial and rapid growth in the most difficult market in the region, competing with four large Israeli companies that operate in the Palestinian market without licensing. "Jawal nevertheless, was able to assert itself and prove its competency internationally, having been acknowledged at various international fairs and awarded a number of international prizes.

Kanafani said Jawal has already amassed half a million subscribers despite all the obstacles and fierce illegal competition by the four Israeli companies. This, he said "did not wane employees determination nor did it stand in the way of our achievements," adding that the company will continue to work towards its ambition of reaching 750.000 subscribers by the end of the current year.

The Palestinian Telecommunications Group, comprising Jawal and Telecom has announced the establishment of "BalTel Group Fund for Social Obligation" which aims to provide social service to all sectors of the society. Jawal has also been active on the Palestinian social scene, providing support and assistance to youth, who make up 50% of the population and to the educational sector for the past three years.

Fastlink, celebrating the 10th anniversary since its establishment, operates the largest and most advanced communications network in the Kingdom, which enabled it to spread mobile services in the various parts of the country in a record time. Assisted by a large network of dealers and marketing outlets, Fastlink subscribers today amount to 1.3 million.

Jawal, meanwhile, has roaming agreements with 228 networks in 107 countries. It has provided Palestinian subscribers, with the help of Palestinian manpower and expertise, with all their communications needs. The company employs 550 people and has in excess of 20 sale centers in the various governorates, in addition to over 110 dealers in the West Bank and Gaza.