2007
- The news you choose »
- Login to Add to Watchlist
Thuraya upgrades applications
Thuraya has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with four satellite application developers which will provide new telecom applications and accessories for its products. The four developers are SpaceCom, European Antennas, Sattrans and Teknobil. SpaceCom and European Antenna will be creating specialized high-power marine antennas for ThurayaDSL and ThurayaFDU services to improve its maritime offering.
TRA to outline e-commerce law
A regulatory framework for implementing Federal Law No. 1 of 2006 on electronic commerce and transactions ia being drafted by the UAE's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, reported Khaleej Times. The move is in line with the UAE's goal of becoming the first 10 countries worldwide in terms of 'eReadiness Maturity'.
Batelco on NGN Phase 3
Batelco has announced, it is moving to Phase 3 of its NGN (Next Generation Network) services. The Company has committed an investment of $16m for the final phase of their $57m investment to complete the project to deliver automated broadband access to all residences in Bahrain.
Arabic search engine delay
The $10m Arabic search engine project being developed by KSA's Mitsco Group and Dubai's Madar Research will be launched during year-end with new financiers, reported Gulf News. Named as Safawi, the project ran into difficulties when Mitsco Group unexpectedly pulled out late last year.
Strong euro boosts IT market
The strength of the euro has provided a new impetus for the growth of the IT market in the MENA region, reported Kenya's Business Daily. The retail IT market in the region had its best second quarter results this year, recording an 11.6% year-on-year jump in net revenues. Canalys, an industry analyst, says this year's jump is comparable to the 10.7% recorded during the same period last year.
Etisalat seeks Omantel stake
Etisalat has confirmed that it would be interested in buying a stake in Omantel, reported Reuters. Last week, our sister publication Meed revealed the Omani government, which holds 70% of the telco operator, could sell at least 19% of Omantel very shortly. Jamal Al Jarwan, CEO of Etisalat International Investments, said 'Are we interested? I say yes' when questioned by the news agency about a possible bid.
Etisalat facilities management
Telco operator Etisalat is to offer facilities and real estate management services to diversify its business activities, reported Gulf News. The facilities management unit of Etisalat Services Holding will begin marketing its services to the private sector and will also look to lease unused office space at its 12 towers throughout the UAE. Etisalat can also offer expertise in diverse areas such as air conditioning and power plant management.
TRA blocks Apple's iPhone
The UAE's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has said it will not allow Apple to establish any exclusive network services in the country for its new iPhone, reported Gulf News. The ruling could mean that the much-hyped phone does not actually receive an official release in the UAE.
Etisalat extends offer
Etisalat is extending its Ramadan promotion for pre-paid Wasel and Ahlan customers until December 17 - with both existing and new subscribers able to take advantage of it. Any pre-paid customer who recharges their handset with Dhs100 or more, through any payment channel, will receive 10% extra credit.
Etisalat $490m Q3 profit
Etisalat made a net profit of $489.6m in Q3 and the telco provider is set to see its revenue grow by 30% in 2007 due to more subscribers in the UAE and overseas expansion, reported Gulf News. The firm earned a net profit of $1.5bn for the first nine months of the year. Etisalat has also upped its holding in Zanzibar Telecom by 17% and it now has a majority stake.
du offers Freetime
All of du's Pay as You Go and Monthly Plan customers, except business subscribers, can receive discounts of up to 60% on international calls via the ongoing Freetime promotion which ends on October 20. Customers will receive one fils of credit for every second they spend on an international call at any time and to any destination. Customers need to call 135 and select option 6 to activate the FreeTime offer.
Gulf IT outlook improves
Market research firm IDC says the outlook for the Gulf IT industry is improved following increased sector-wide buying behaviour, reported Gulf News. IDC now believes IT spending will rise by 14 to 15% each year for the next three years, or three to four times the annual GDP rate in the Gulf. The previous quarterly outlook was a compound annual growth rate of 10 to 12% for GCC countries.
IT industry achieves strong growth
The IT industry in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) had its best second quarter this year with 11.6% year-on-year growth in net revenues, compared to 10.7% in the second quarter of 2006, reported Gulf News, citing a report by IT consultant Canalys. The report said growth in the EMEA was due largely to the fall in prices, as the euro is very strong against the dollar. Most PC components are priced in dollars.
LG inks $27m deal with Royal House
LG Electronics has signed a $27m deal with the Royal House Group to equip the real estate group's upcoming projects in the UAE with state-of-the-art HomNet and commercial air conditioning solutions. HomNet is a converged intelligent home network that provides state-of-the-art digital homes. The Royal House Group is one of the biggest players in the region's construction segment.
Warning for iPhone buyers
UAE customers who wish to buy an Apple iPhone on the grey market should be aware that they will not be be able to update it or return if it stops working as its warranty is void, reported Gulf News. The new iPhones, which have been unlocked using third-party software so they can work on local networks, are being sold for as much as $1,100 on the illegal market.
It looks like you are using a Mac - check out our 
Web Feeds