2005
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Sony, new LCD TVs
Sony Gulf has released a new range of seven flat panel LCD televisions into the region. The "Bravia" range includes models which screen sizes ranging from a compact 17-inch to a wide 40-inch. The company says the V-series and S-series deliver a sharper digital HD picture with 1366 x 768 dot pixels, equivalent to 1 mega pixel resolution.
FSC beats average growth
Fujitsu Siemens Computers has recorded a 73.9% year-on-year growth in combined Middle East and Africa desktop and laptop sales in Q3 2005, more than double the average industry growth of 33.1%, according to IDC figures. Mobility sales leapt 114.4%, almost 40% above the average growth.
Low demand for fixed-line licence
Declining international interest in fixed-line phone operations could hurt Saudi Arabia's plans to issue its second fixed-line licence next year, according to Communications and Information Technology Commission governor Dr Mohammed Al Suwaiyel in an interview with Reuters. He said the commission will start preparations for a bidding process by the beginning of January 2006, but declined to say when it might be completed.
Website for Internet complaints
Saudi Internet users complaining about poor service and high prices of Saudi Telecom, the Kingdom's only Internet service provider, have created a website, www.sayno2stc.com, for users to register their concerns, reported Arab News. Visitors to the site also can sign a petition about service problems that organisers hope to send to King Abdullah.
Sony Ericsscon three handsets
Sony Ericsson has introduced three new mobile phones to the Middle East, aimed at different consumer sectors. The J220i is billed as a simple, easy-to-use stick phone. The J230i features FM radio and changeable covers. The Z300i is a clamshell, also customiseable with changeable covers as well as crystal decor.
Riyadh gets wireless Internet
Saudi is gearing up to introduce wireless broadband technology in Riyadh in an attempt to increase penetration rates. Saudi Arabia's two mobile telephone operators Saudi Telecommunication and Mobily will be invited to offer the service and Intel will provide technical expertise, according to Communications and Information Technology Commission governor Mohammed Al Suwaiyel quoted by Reuters.
Mobile surge in Egypt
There will be 21.1m mobile phone subscribers in Egypt by the end of 2008, according to a report by BIS Shrapnel. Mobile subscribers outstripped fixed-line subscribers for the first time in Q3 2005, despite a strong uptake of new fixed line subscriptions. Nokia is the leading mobile handset brand in Egypt, followed by Samsung.
Suresec opens Doha office
Internet security firm Suresec has opened its first Middle East office in Doha as part of regional expansion plans. Suresec will introduce its one-stop-shop Suresec Security Appliance product, which allows organisations to carry out security assessment and compliance audits in-house rather than outsourcing.
Inmarsat launches satellite
The second Inmarsat satellite, the size of a London double-decker bus, has been launched successfully. The satellite provides 85% coverage of the world's landmass with broadband services, covering 98% of the world's population.
Investcom, $31m Ericsson deal
Investcom whose shares are listed on the Dubai International Financial Exchange, has awarded Ericsson a trio of contracts in West Africa worth $31m. Ericsson will supply equipment and services for the expansion and upgrading of Investcom's networks in Ghana and Benin. Ericsson will also supply the infrastructure and services that will underpin a new network in the Republic of Guinea.
Inmarsat launches satellite
Inmarsat yesterday launched its second Inmarsat-4 satellite, which it says is one of the largest and most sophisticated commercial satellites ever launched. It is the second in a planned two-satellite constellation, representing an eight-year development and $1.5bn investment which will support the company's existing and next-generation broadband services.
Samsung's growth on track
Samsung Electronics says it is on track to achieve 25% per cent of the region's mobile phone market by the end of 2005. Samsung unveiled its new multimedia mobile phone, the SGH-D600, which is part of its ambitious growth plans.
Telco heads converge on Dubai
The heads of over thirty of the biggest players in the telecommunications industry will meet and debate issues facing the sector at Telecoms World Middle East, being held in Dubai from 4-7 December 2005. The strategic telecoms conference is organised by Terrapinn, publishers of Total Telecom magazine and organisers of the Carriers World series of events.
DIFX chooses HP systems
The Dubai International Financial Exchange has implemented computing infrastructure based on HP's storage area network technology. The solution is based on two XP12000 storage systems, three rp HP/UX systems, 35 Bl20p blade systems running a combination of Windows and Linux, along with HP installation support services. The IT infrastructure was put in place before the DIFX opened.
Etisalat, broadband conference
The Etisalat Academy is holding a regional conference on broadband which will focus on emerging technologies and marketing strategies, in Dubai from 14-15 November. Industry operators such Motorola, Lucent Technology, Huawei, Ericsson and Alcatel are participating.
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