MTC first telecom operator in Middle East to be awarded BS7799-2:2002 certification

Notes and media contacts

About MTC Group (as at May 1, 2005)

Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) was founded in 1983 and today is one of the largest mobile operators in the Middle East and Africa, with more than 9.5 million customers spread across 18 countries - Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon and 13 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange, MTC has a market capitalization exceeding USD$7 billion as at May 1, 2005. The shareholder base is made of 75% public and 25% by the Kuwait government.

Kuwait (MTC-Vodafone)
Notably distinct as the first mobile operator in the Middle East (1983), in September 2002- MTC entered into a Partner Network Agreement with Vodafone, the world's leading mobile community creating MTC-Vodafone Kuwait. The agreement allows MTC Kuwait customers to access their home services when roaming abroad on any of Vodafone's networks and to access Vodafone's global products and services. The operation currently has a 55% market share of subscribers in Kuwait.

Jordan (Fastlink)
In January 2003, MTC acquired 91.6% of Fastlink in Jordan taking MTC's ownership to 96.5%. Fastlink is one of the best known brands in Jordan holding a dominant market position with a 71% market share of subscribers and has continually broken new ground through the introduction of new products and services. It was the first Middle Eastern operator to launch MMS Services and offers a rich plethora of mobile data services and infotainment solutions.

Bahrain (MTC-Vodafone)
MTC won the Bahrain license to develop the second GSM network in April 2003 and officially launched its services in December 2003, at the time, the fastest deployment in the Middle East. Known also as MTC-Vodafone, the operation is at the forefront of technological development in the Middle East. It pioneered the introduction of 3G and EDGE, offering high-speed data and multimedia services to its customers. Within one year of operation, the operation had gained over 100,000 subscribers and taken an approximate 17% market share in a short time.

Iraq (MTC Atheer)
In December 2003 MTC Atheer was licensed to install and operate a GSM network in the Southern region of Iraq. In less than a year, the company succeeded in executing its initial objectives despite the security situation in Southern Iraq. MTC Atheer offers the highest standard of services and the most technologically advanced products in Iraq. It has recently connected Baghdad, and the company has the widest reaching mobile telecommunications network in the country. In the very near future the network will be expanded to offer a full GPRS network. The network is being expanded to support 1 million subscribers by September 2005.

Lebanon (MTC Touch)
On June1, 2004 the Government of Lebanon handed over the management of one of the two mobile networks (Mic2) to MTC, now known as MTC Touch. The 4 year management contract will see MTC leveraging resources, expertise and know-how from different areas of the group and applying them to offer customers with cutting edge products and services. On taking over, the initial effort and focus was to rebrand the operation and recently the network was upgraded with a new Intelligent Network (IN) that provides customers with a host of new services. The operation has a 50% market share of subscribers. The agreement places MTC in the best possible position if the Lebanese Government decides to privatize the assets after the management contract expires.

Africa (13 countries) (Celtel)
Most recently in May 2005, MTC acquired Celtel International, a Dutch communications network company with major interests in 13 Sub-Saharan African countries, in one of the biggest telecom deals in the Middle East and Africa worth $3.36 billion. With over six million subscribers Celtel enjoys a commanding position in the telephony market of Sub-Saharan Africa. MTC bought 85% of Celtel for US$2.84 billion, with a commitment to buy the remaining 15 per cent over the next two years for US$ 520 million. Celtel covers 13 countries - Uganda, Tanzania, Niger, Malawi, Chad, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso, Sudan and Kenya. The company's motto is "Making life better".

Conclusion
MTC has completed its first phase of its 3X3X3 strategy which entails becoming a global operator with more than 20 million customers by 2011. MTC will continue to expand internationally through acquisitions, partnerships and green-field opportunities. In complement to increasing value for our shareholders, MTC's objectives are to support the local community, offering employment and creating business opportunities wherever we operate.

For more information please visit: www.mtc.com.kw

Media Contact:
Lara Abdul Malak
Media relations Team Leader MTC Group

Investor Relations Contact:
Mr Ibrahim Adel
Investor Relations Manager
Tel: +965 484 2000 ext. 1464
Mob: +965 900 6779
Fax: +965 484 6992