Nokia signs strategic partnership with Warid Telecom

The partnership between Nokia and Warid Telecom aims to encourage the placement of the latest technologies in the hands of the masses and to support Warid Telecom in providing increased value to its customers across a variety of price segments.

Under this agreement, Nokia will supply mobile phones to Warid which will be bundled and sold to the operator's Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) customers in Pakistan. This will help increase the affordability and penetration of mobile phones across all levels of Pakistan's population. In addition, these Nokia phones will feature the latest mobile communications technology, providing support to Warid's efforts to take mobile telephony in Pakistan to new levels of quality and availability. Coupled with Nokia's market-leading portfolio of phones, Warid's GSM services will bring a new era of mobile communications that aims to empower both corporate and private consumers through increased communication and connectivity options.

Announcing the partnership, Hamid Farooq, CEO, Warid Telecom said, 'We are proud to enter into a strategic alliance with Nokia. The leading handset brand in the world will enhance the quality of services Warid is providing in Pakistan's market. The partnership between Warid and Nokia is a clear indication of future quality and vision in the industry.' He also added that 'this partnership will allow for all types of handsets to be available to all segments of Pakistan society.'

Speaking at the occasion Eddie Maalouf, General Manager for Nokia's Middle East and North Africa added 'Nokia considers Pakistan to be not just an important market but a strategic one, keeping in mind the ambitions of the company in the entire MENA region. The strategic partnership with Warid telecom re-enforces our standing as a quality manufacturer of mobile phones as well as demonstrates the strength of our portfolio. We feel that with Nokia's deep understanding of the business, a sound partner like Warid telecom, our strong portfolio which spans across income categories and our highly talented local staff we will continue to lead the business in the country.'

At the end of 2003, there were approximately 1.3 billion mobile phone users globally. Nokia estimates that the number of subscribers will increase to 2 billion by 2008. Growth markets such as Pakistan will have a significant impact on the advancement of mobile communications in the years to come. As the global mobile voice communications market also continues to grow, Nokia has pledged to continue to develop cost-efficient products and solutions to ensure that a wider share of the world's population will have access to mobile communications.