Wataniya International launches Saudi's first business communications network under the brand name Bravo

After making a 38% investment in the Public Telecommunications Company (PTC) earlier this year, Wataniya International will manage Bravo's network, which is built on Motorola's integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN) platform. Bravo will provide instantaneous, cost effective and secure communications through a range of Push to Do and digital cellular services.

"This is a major step forward in the company's expansion strategy," said Mr. Faisal Al-Ayyar, Chairman of Wataniya International. "The launch of Bravo with its unique product and service offerings marks the beginning of Wataniya's entry into Saudi Arabia, one of the region's huge untapped markets for telecommunications."

Bravo's network, which will be rolled out in three phases, has already commenced with coverage of the following areas: Makkah, Medina, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam and Dhahran, including the Makkah - Jeddah highway. The next two phases will see the roll out to more cities and highways resulting in kingdom wide coverage.

Owned by shareholders Nasco, Wataniya International, Ali A. Tamimi Co. and Sultan Najr Al Otaibi, PTC will provide the Saudi Arabian business community with a specialized kingdom-wide communications solution through a 15 year Build, Operate, Transfer agreement with Saudi Telecom.

"Wataniya International's investment in Saudi Arabia will become a valuable addition not only to the company's operations in the region, but also to KIPCO's diversified portfolio of investments," Mr. Al Ayyar added.