2006
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Egypt joins "enemies of internet"
Egypt has been added to a list of 13 "enemies of the internet" published by human rights group Reporters Without Borders, the BBC reports. Egypt made the list for the first time, which also contains Saudi Arabia, more for its attitude to bloggers than specific web censorship, according to RSF. Belarus, Burma and China hold the top three spots. The list contains countries that RSF believes are suppressing freedom of expression on the internet.
Bill Gates in Saudi visit
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates will deliver the keynote address at a 'global competitiveness' forum in Saudi Arabia, Arab News reported. Gates will also meet with a group of 20 Saudi CEOs for private discussions. The talks are closed to the media, and neither Microsoft nor the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority will be making any official statement, the report said.
Cisco IT design for Energy City
Networking giant Cisco has been engaged to design internet technology to suuport the $2.6 billion Energy City Qatar project, alongside partners led by Accelerator Technology Holdings, the company said in statement. Under the agreement, Cisco will design the city's connected real estate framework, IT infrastructure network and IT and technology based products.
Qatar removes Qtel monoploy
Qatar issued a law Monday which lifts Qtel's monopoly in the telecoms sector, according to the Peninsula. Under the legislation, the Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology will vet applications for new licences.
Huawei gets Etisalat contract
Etisalat has chosen Huawei to help it construct a nationwide UMTS/HSPA network in the UAE, the Chinese firm said. Under the contract, Huawei will provide new generation UMTS equipment, including more than one thousand Node-B base stations. Huawei has been working with Etisalat since December 2003 on its commercial 3G services.
Al Sayegh wins Emirates LCD deal
Al Sayegh Brothers says it signed a contract worth over Dhs5m to supply LG LCD monitors to Emirates airline. Under the terms, Al Sayegh will deliver more than 10,000 monitors over three years.
HP doubles uni grants
HP will give grants to 12 universities in Europe, the Middle East and Africa under its HP Mobile Technology for Teaching Grant, more than double last year. Equipment provided under the scheme includes HP tablet PCs, printers, cameras and projectors. The aim is to encourage mobile technology in education.
Batelco GSM payphone
Batelco has unveiled a GSM payphone, aimed at public events needing a portable phone service. Customers can use smart cards, credit cards or coins to make calls. The service needs no installation and can be set up immediately, anywhere in Bahrain.
Gitex targets IT security
Middle East countries spent $4.18bn on IT security services in 2005, making it the second largest world market behind the Americas, according to data by IDC cited by promoters of Gitex 2006. Regional spend is predicted to reach $5.62bn in 2006, and $9.33bn in 2009. IT security is a major theme at this year's exhibition, which runs from 18-22 November in Dubai.
Wasel subscribers get iZone access
Etisalat says Wasel subscribers can now access wireless Internet by getting their charges debited directly at iZone WiFi hotpots in the UAE. Users will be charged Dhs10 per hour for Internet use. Customers need to choose Wasel Mobile as the method of payment from the iZone access portal i-zone.ae.
Batelco selects Ericsson for 3G
Bahrain's Batelco has chosen Ericsson to help it establish live 3G and HSDPA mobile networks in the country, according to the Bahrain Tribune. The project will result in nationwide coverage with download speeds of up to 14.4Mbps in 2007, the telco said. Implementation starts later this year.
Samsung sees LCD shortage
Samsung Electronics says seasonal factors will adversely affect the global supply of LCDs in H1 2007, but says there should be a strong growth in demand and even a possible shortage in H2, Reuters reported. Samsung is the world's biggest maker of large LCDs so far this year,
Business launch for Windows set
Microsoft will make available to business customers Windows Vista and Office 2007 from 30 November 2006, according to the New York Times. There was no news as to when the retail versions will be available, but analysts are predicting a January release. The new Windows application has been hamstrung by repeated delays during its five years of development.
Gmail goes mobile
Google has unveiled a version of its Gmail email service that works on PDAs and mobile devices, according to RedHerring. It works through a downloadable Java application. Google also plans to make its YouTube video available on portable devices over the next year.
Qtel, Korea Telecom deal
Qtel and Korea Telecom will collaborate on infrastructure construction and IT solutions in an "ubiquitous cities" arrangement, the Peninsula reports. Ubiquitous cities, or U-Cities, are locations where all major information systems share data through high speed networks. Qatar's U-City projects include Pearl Island, Lusail City and Smart Industrial City.
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