Fastlink launches live video streaming

Fastlink was the leader in Jordan to introduce GPRS, and MMS, and one of the first in the Region to launch the EDGE technology, which ensures data transfer at 80kb/s. This technology, according to Fastlink Chief Marketing Officer, Bashar Arafeh, has allowed the company to launch other services, which transformed the mobile world in the Kingdom.

Live Video Streaming allows users to receive live TV programs on their mobile through the EDGE technology, while the Push Email enables customers to receive their email on their mobile phones. This automatic service is similar to a service enabled through a device named Blackberry, which is currently being used in the United States and Europe.

Fastlink portal provides a multi service platform, which ensures easy access to users' accounts and serves to speed up the development of new services for customers. The portal was developed using Oracle 10G Application Server, which results in a higher efficiency that surpasses that of any other telecommunications website. The portal has a wireless option, which supports access to the variety of services available and enables communication with other information channels and wireless applications.

Arafeh said the portal allows for added flexibility in providing other services to Fastlink customers at a faster rate and a more efficient manner. He added that the portal has been equipped with a content management system, which facilitates the process of uploading content updates, which is done without the assistance of a programmer, making the work of technical staff easier.

Fastlink portal, developed in cooperation with Eskadenia and Syntax, can be accessed through the Internet, enabling users a multitude of services including WAP, news alerts and entertainment through SMS, Time Out and several other advantages to be enjoyed by registered users.

The GSM data transfer speed enhancement service, known as EDGE, helps to strengthen GPRS and ensures the speedy flow of Internet protocol packages through mobile phones and laptops as well as other personal digital devices. The service also allows customers to surf the Internet, access their email, download ring tones, send and receive MMS at a higher speed.

Fastlink Chief Technical Officer Sameer Abu Zahrah said EDGE would allow customers to surf the Internet and download music or ring tones at a speed three times faster than the average speed of GPRS. He added that the Company has worked on expanding its network in preparation for the launch of a new package of advanced services as part of a strategy aimed at transforming the mobile telecommunications market in Jordan.

Abu Zahrah voiced the Company's plan to cover the entire Kingdom with EDGE service in accordance with customers' needs and to provide them with speedy data transfer on their mobiles, PCs and personal Notebooks. With these advancements, Fastlink will be the first company in Jordan to provide such expansive coverage of the EDGE service, as is the case with GPRS.

Fastlink Data Services Manager Ziad Al-Masri, who made a presentation of the new services -supported by EDGE- said the portal would make it easy for customers to benefit from the wide range of services enabled through the Internet. He pointed out that the Live Video Streaming, which was developed in cooperation with MIT, allows customers in the first phase to watch TV programs and Satellite feed, live in real time, as well as video clips and other shows at almost the same clarity and high resolution received on TV screens.

Masri said the mobile industry has developed in a manner that transformed the mobile phone into a device that integrates information technology and communications, turning the mobile into a high tech, multi application tool, which provides the customer with an integrated window, through which voice and data communications, Internet surfing, access to email and the exchange of SMS and MMS are all possible.

The portal provides online customer service through (1234), which constitutes a comprehensive and flexible solution to customers, enabling both companies and individuals to access their accounts, make changes on their services, check their bills, obtain a detailed bill and get system reports, in addition to other possibilities such as filing complaints and managing their Kirmalak advantages. Furthermore, Online 1234 helps companies manage employees' accounts.

Arafeh said Fastlink would continue this year to introduce new services at high efficiency and affordable rates to meet the needs of various sectors of the society. He said mobile rates in Jordan are among the lowest in the area. He pledged the Company's plans to continue its rebalancing policy in line with a new strategy that aims to reach new customers in the local market by providing attractive offers and value added services. He added that the new services would rely on the latest technologies with the aim of keeping pace with regional and world developments in the communications sector.

Fastlink, with the largest customer base in the Kingdom reaching over 1.4 million customers of the 1.9 mobile users, adopts an ambitious strategy that aims at spreading the mobile service among all groups and sectors of society, irrespective of their economic status. This strategy looks at the mobile as not merely a communications tool but a basic commodity that contributes to economic development and to improving the income and living standards of citizens.