The MTC Group continues its support of Iraq telecommunications development

The conference will showcase presentations on business development opportunities in Iraq's mobile and satellite telecommunications industry sectors to an audience of senior government officials, leading operators and service providers, as well as equipment suppliers and investors. The forum will also outline the significance of a strong regulatory framework in Iraq and the impact of the planned mobile licensing round.

The conference will include a seminal presentation by MTC Atheer President, Mr. Ali Al-Dahwi, articulating the company's achievements and challenges faced since 2003 as well as opportunities for further growth and the deployment of innovative services to enrich the experience of the average user in Iraq.

Dr Saad Al-Barrak, CEO of the MTC Group, will also attend the conference. He said: "MTC Group, through MTC-Atheer, is committed to rehabilitating and modernising telecommunications infrastructure and providing high-quality, ubiquitous and affordable telecommunications services in Iraq. We are looking forward, with anticipation, to the planned mobile licensing process administered by CMC. We believe that this would provide an excellent opportunity to further enhance cellular voice, data and mobile broadband services in the country.

"As a socially responsible business, we are also committed to job creation, human development, knowledge transfer and local community support in Iraq. Since its establishment in 2003, MTC Atheer's contribution to social responsibility and community programmes Iraq has exceeded $1million and we are committed to increasing our investment base to benefit the people of Iraq."

MTC Atheer is part of the MTC Group, the 5th largest telecommunications operator by geographic footprint worldwide with over 23 million subscribers in 20 countries. Mr. Al Dahwi says: "We are able to leverage the financial strength and extensive international operational experience of the MTC Group in 20 countries throughout the Middle East and Africa to provide best in-class services in Iraq.

"Telecommunications is pivotal to the development of the Iraqi economy and MTC Atheer is keen to use its position and insight to develop the sector in the country.

"Development of a robust telecommunications infrastructure directly benefits the people of Iraq through improved communication but also through educational and healthcare initiatives. First class telecommunications is also a significant driver to attracting foreign direct investment which creates further job opportunities."

MTC Atheer covers the largest geographic area in Iraq from Baghdad to the south of the country as well as some areas in the north. With over 1,000 employees - all of whom are Iraqi nationals - MTC Atheer provides mobile services to over 2 million subscribers in Iraq. Additionally, MTC Atheer estimates that it has created more than 7,000 indirect job opportunities by working with Iraqi suppliers and distributors.