2007
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'Millenials' are untapped market
Companies are unprepared for the technology demands of 'millenials,' youngsters born between 1980 and 2000, according to a survey by Knowledge Oasis Muscat. KOM's survey revealed that many companies have no immediate plans to allow customers to buy products or services online, or to provide online forums for customers to discuss products or services. Moreover, they had no immediate plans to monitor customer discussions on websites or blogs.
CrysTelCall in banking deal
CrysTelCall, a Jordanian outsourcing company providing inbound and outbound contact centre services, has signed an agreement with the Jordan Commercial Bank. CrysTelCall will handle all inquiry calls and will provide general information on various banking products. CrysTelCall's service centre will be open from 8am to 8pm and will be available in both English and Arabic.
JTG cuts IP connection fees
The Jordan Telecom Group (JTG) has reduced its Internet protocol (IP) connectivity costs by 25%. The move will subsequently enable Internet service providers to offer end users lower connection costs and is intended to boost penetration rates in the kingdom. The JTG claims it has cut IP fees by 53% over the course of 2007.
Optimiza buys MenaITech
Jordan's Optimiza has acquired MenaITech, a company which specialises in human resources development systems for both the private and public sector in Jordan and the region. MenaITech counts Aramex International, the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, the Capital Bank of Jordan, the Jordan Customs Department and Jordan Dubai Capital among its clients.
Zain to raise $4.4bn
Kuwaiti telco outfit Zain intends to raise its capital by around 75% by selling stock to existing investors, reported Reuters. The firm hopes to raise $4.4bn by selling 1.4bn shares at $3.1 each and it will use the cash to fund its overseas expansion in Africa and the Middle East. A capital increase was first mooted last month but Zain has so far not commented on the latest report.
Zain buys Iraqna for $1.2bn
Kuwait's Zain has concluded a deal for the purchase of 100% of the share capital of Orascom Telecom Holding subsidiary, Iraqna, for $1.2bn through its own subsidiary MTC-Atheer. This acquisition will give MTC-Atheer a combined customer base of around 7m in Iraq. In August, MTC-Atheer secured one of three 15 year nationwide mobile licences in Iraq for $1.25bn, while Egypt's Orascom pulled out of the bidding.
Mobily post-paid offer
Saudi Arabian mobile outfit Mobily has announced that new subscribers to all of its post-paid services, including Khatty, Khatty Plus and Mada, will not be charged a monthly subscription fee during the first year of their subscriptions. The offer is also valid for all subscribers who use the 'port-in' service, Raqme, to transfer their numbers from Al Jawal. The promotion is available until December 28.
Orange offers 'A7la'
Jordan's Orange has launched a new pay as you go mobile deal called 'A7la'. The offer will enable customers to talk to around 2.3m fixed line and mobile subscribers at flat rates. The package entails no monthly fees and there is no minimum top-up, while the continuous activity loyalty programme provides up to 15% free extra credit.
Etisalat marks National Day
Etisalat is offering off-peak rates on all national and international calls to mark the UAE's 36th National Day tomorrow, December 2. Etisalat is also presently offering free wireless Internet access at its various hotspots around the country and this deal will last until December 3. The telco outfit is running a National Day MMS photo competition with a final deadline for entries of December 12; winners will receive an iPod Nano.
Mitel wins Yemen deal
Mitel, a provider of IP communications solutions, has revealed that Yemen's Ministry of Justice is to deploy a Mitel 3300 MXe IP communications platform. The converged project is to be implemented by Asharq for Trade and Agencies, a registered Mitel solution provider in Sana'a. The ministry will use the new system to terminate the existing base of analogue telephones.
Huawei creates IP bearer network for Mobily
Huawei Technologies, one of the leading companies in providing next generation telecommunications network solutions for operators announced that it has been selected by Mobily, mobile operator in Saudi Arabia, to construct its nationwide IP bearer network for voice and data services, which will provide subscribers with faster, richer and more reliable 3G mobile services.
Zabeel Investments second Sony buyers
Zabeel Investments, a Dubai-based private-equity player has invested an undisclosed amount in the Sony Corporation in conjunction with the Global Strategic Equities Fund (GSEF). GSEF's general partner, NewDawn GSE Asset Management, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dubai International Capital Asset Management (DICAM). This marks the second time Zabeel Investments has partnered with GSEF to invest internationally, the first being the 3.12 per cent stake in European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS). This March the company announced that it was investing in GSEF with the intention of the fund being used to invest in Fortune 500 companies.
Saudi mobile market to grow 130%
Mobile telephone penetration in Saudi Arabia is expected to grow 130% in the next five years, according to a report by HSBC. The country is regarded as one of the most attractive markets in the GCC with penetration rates among the lowest at 82% of the population for mobile as of the first half of 2006, and just 2% for broadband penetration.
UAE IT spend hits $508m
IT services spending in the UAE grew 23% last year to $508m and will grow 15% this year, according to a report by the International Data Corp (IDC). The type of services most in demand were hardware and software support and installation, accounting for a third of total market value, followed by systems integration with 26.1% share, and customization services with 16.3%.
Saudi Telecom heads bidding in Kuwait
Saudi Telecom was the highest bidder for a stake in Kuwait's third mobile phone company offering 120m Kuwaiti dinars, reported Reuters. The company offered 923 fils per share for 130 million shares, equivalent to 26 per cent of the telecom company that the Kuwaiti government is setting up. Although the state-owned Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), which is arranging the sale of the stake, could not confirm the report.
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