MTC committed to maintaining growth momentum

MTC's Dr. Marwan Al Ahmadi, CEO for Strategic Affairs and IT at MTC, will address delegates at Connect 2005, the telecommunications summit in Dubai, on the group's international expansion strategies and how it aims to become a global mobile operator over the next nine years. MTC is following a three by three-by-three-expansion strategy to become a global player with an allocation of three years to complete each stage - local, regional and global. With its recent acquisition of Celtel, MTC has become an international telecom operator.

"MTC is embarking on the next stage of its business development, embracing new technologies and partnerships and expansion into new and emerging mobile markets on a worldwide basis," said Dr Al Ahmadi. "We have already exceeded our targets for the first leg of our strategy ahead of schedule. The MTC Group now serves over 9.5 million customers in the Middle East and Africa. We have strengthened our key operating metrics and financial ratios and with the Celtel acquisition, MTC is a leader among its peers."

In line with its expansion strategy and to keep track of emerging customer needs, MTC is supporting the telecom summit in Dubai. The company believes its dedication to customer service and a consistent strategy, delivered locally, are the real drivers for its business going forward. Al Ahmadi's discussion will highlight the challenges of deregulation and liberalisation in the Middle East, covering key growth areas including data services and business services.

"Our human resources also play a vital role in helping us achieve our vision, values and mission. I firmly believe it is this emphasis on human resources that helps us deliver value for all our stakeholders. We are participating in this event to meet our customers and to highlight our leadership in technology," added Dr Al Ahmadi.

MTC won the region's first 3G mobile license in April 2003 - MTC-Vodafone was awarded Bahrain's second GSM licence in April 2003, a licence that granted it the right to offer 3G services. Liberalising telecom markets can bring about several advantages, and MTC Vodafone's Chief Technology Officer, Ismael Fikree, will highlight the group's experience in Bahrain at the summit.

"Bahrain was a good template to test new technologies and new marketing strategies. At MTC, we believe in offering value for money as a differentiator. I think the 3G license helps us to reinforce this value-for-money philosophy and the wealth of services that can be deployed. Our participation in Connect 2005 gives us an opportunity to demonstrate our strategies and strength in a sector that is being re-defined through innovation," said Fikree.

Connect 2205 will be held from May 29 - June 1, 2005 at the JW Marriot Hotel, Dubai, UAE.