Saudi Telecom Company (STC) said it increased Wi-Fi coverage in Makkah and Holy Sites to prepare for pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj. The coverage includes tunnels, bridges, and a number of public utilities in Mina which received pilgrims to start their Tarwiah day on August 30.
Zain Group, the leading mobile telecom innovator with a presence in eight markets across the Middle East and Africa, announces the publication of its sixth annual sustainability report, entitled 'Innovate for a Sustainable Future'. The release of this latest report, which is aligned with the United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGP) and adheres to the G4 reporting guidelines set by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), reinforces Zain Group's position as one of the most consistently transparent mobile operators in the MENA region given the depth of information it openly shares.
Nasser S. Alnasser, Acting STC Group CEO, emphasized that hajj season this year coincides with transforming 92% of copper Network in Makkah to FTTH. This 92% of Makkah's Network is Supported by FTTH. This will contribute in increasing the movement of Data and Information transmission with high speed and large capacities. This came after executing 163 km of civil works, and 173 km of Fiber works during this year 1438H.
As part of du's Telecom Knowledge Series, the leading telecom organization held a session recently, about "5G: The Next Generation Mobile Network" at Al Salam Tower in Dubai Media City. The event was hosted by Marwan BinShakar; Vice President - Access & Transport Planning, and Dr. Mahmoud Sherif; Senior Director Mobile Access Network Planning. 5G technology is touted to revolutionize connectivity and lifestyle in users through high capacity speeds, and du showcased how it is spearheading 5G's deployment in the region during the session. In preparation for the 5G future, du is the first telco in the UAE to perform a massive MIMO field trial.
Zain Iraq, a subsidiary of Kuwait's Zain Group, has selected Ericsson to upgrade its existing network using the Swedish telecom equipment vendor's virtual Evolved Packet Core (vEPC) offering to meet the growing data demands of its customers in the region.
Saudi operator Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) signed an agreement to develop its mobile network in different regions around the Kingdom with three international telecom and IT suppliers: Nokia, Huawei and Ericsson. This project is considered the biggest of its kind in the history of the company, and the aggregate value reach 2.4 Billion Saudi Riyal.
STC announced a special offer for the first time with "SAWA Ziyara" SIM cards, that are specialized for this year's Hajj season. The offer will allow 200% extra credit with the first charge.
Thuraya Telecommunications Company recently held meetings with senior-level officials and government system integrators in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to present its latest product portfolio and explore possibilities for collaborative ventures. The roadshow that took place in July and included visits to Jeddah, Riyadh and Damam, was exclusively developed in line with increasing KSA's public sector interests. Thuraya's national service partner, Farhan Commercial Company played a pivotal role in enabling meetings with the country's commanding officers and decision makers.
du welcomed two Saudi Zain Telecom employees to its offices in Dubai as part of the Exchange Experience Program between the two telecom providers announced last November. In line with the program, Ibraheem Gharwi, Training & Quality Assurance Manager and Yazeed Alsalmi, VVIP Contact Centre Manager at Zain had a unique opportunity to experience du best practices and indulge in knowledge sharing sessions with du employees, in addition to the field visits to du Call centers in Fujairah and Retail shops.
Kuwait's Zain Group will sell a 9.84 percent stake for US$846.1 million to Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel), Oman's state-owned primary telecommunications firm, the two parties confirmed on August 10. Omantel's purchase of Zain's entire block of treasury shares will bolster Zain's financial position, as it competes against telecom heavyweights for an Omani mobile license.
