Zain Group reveals new initiative to establish regional data network

Participating as a keynote speaker at the annual Telecoms World Middle East conference in Dubai, Zain Group Deputy CEO and COO, Hisham Akbar introduced the strategy behind the formation of Zain Group's latest operation, which is set to offer wholesale voice and data services, leveraging Zain's facilities based license in addition to its Internet Service Provider 'ISP' credentials and access to spectrum.

He pointed out that a newly owned subsidiary company, Zain Group Wholesale has been established for this purpose. Akbar spoke of how Zain has decided to exploit its wireless technology leadership, coverage and licensed countries of operation to their maximum potential and that Zain Group Wholesale will enjoy a quick start given the presence of already significant organic traffic from existing Zain customers.

Speaking at the conference in Dubai, Akbar commented, "The launch of this new initiative is another example of Zain Group's pioneering efforts in the telecom sector. Zain Group Wholesale allows us to leverage our existing competencies and assets while at the same time giving our customer base access to additional voice and data services."

Akbar continued, "From being a user of third-party fiber, Zain is moving to acquire and participate in fiber facilities construction, which will further bolster the services and products that can be offered by Zain Group Wholesale. Zain Group has also started concluding arrangements by which it will be able to deliver over-the-top 'OTT'-type services to consumers on their mobile devices."

He said, "The fast paced developments in technology have increased the demand in mobile technology and Zain is prepared to meet those needs in the most optimal way."

As broadband traffic continues to grow at exponential rates across the region Zain Group believes its wholesale strategy will help answer and cater to this market trend, complementing and enhancing the operator's existing strategy.

Akbar concluded by saying, "the customer is and will remain our top priority; the main focus of our 2013 operations is the customer."