Telecom Operators

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.

The preferred mobile plan for tens of thousands of UAE SMEs is now more powerful than ever. du has enriched its Business Mobile Plans to meet the communication needs of SME businesses even better, enabling them to have more flexibility, customization and simplicity in managing the communication needs of their businesses and employees.

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.

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has reviewed the Spam Regulation published in December 2016 and made amendments that align it more closely with the Data Privacy Law published by the Ministry of Transport & Communications (MOTC) in December 2016. The revised regulation is designed to reduce the number of complaints about spam, direct marketing, and cybercrime lodged with Service Providers and CRA and enhance the overall experience of consumers in Qatar.

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.

Kuwait's Zain Group reported a 5 percent decrease in revenues for the six months ended June 30 compared to the same period last year due to massive currency devaluation in Sudan, it said. The company ended the period serving 45.2 million customers across the Middle East and Africa.

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.

Zain Saudi Arabia, the kingdom's third ranked telecom operator, has reportedly entered into negotiations with a consortium of companies for the sale and lease back of its telecommunications towers.

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.

InspireU, STC incubator, announced a partnership agreement with Careem, the biggest car booking provider in KSA. According to the agreement, Careem will provide free rides for the 40 entrepreneurs and members of arbitration committee dealing with "Inspire U".