Telecom Operators

As part of its mandate to monitor the markets in the State of Qatar, the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has conducted an assessment of the telecommunications sector for FY 2016. The assessment shows that the sector contributed 1.7% to Qatar's GDP (up from 1.3% in 2014) towards effective diversification of the economy. The telecommunications market also saw investments of around QAR 1.25 billion (12% of service providers' annual revenues) towards development of infrastructure and services, and in preparation for future technologies.

Zain Group announced the opening and hosting of the Zain Annual Regulatory Forum in Kuwait. The event took place between 26-28 March, 2017 in the presence of senior Zain Group representatives as well as regulatory team members drawn from across the company's operating companies.

Etisalat announced that it has further reduced its roaming rates for voice calls, SMS and data. Etisalat's prepaid and post-paid customers will enjoy discounted roaming rates of up to 35 percent on data, outgoing voice calls to UAE, GCC and local destinations and outgoing SMS while traveling to any Gulf Cooperation Council countries - Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar or Saudi Arabia and roaming through any roaming partner. The new rates are introduced in coordination with the Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA) to encourage roaming services within the GCC at affordable rates.

Ooredoo Group signed a new network transformation agreement with Ericsson at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona that will enable it to extend its competitive advantage by leveraging its global group-scale in its relationship with the technology leader.

Zain Group announces the appointment of Emre Gurkan as CEO of 'touch' in Lebanon. The mobile operation is managed by Zain on behalf of the Lebanese government, and Mr. Gurkan's appointment is effective immediately. His appointment will see him cooperating closely with the country's Telecom Ministry in advancing the Lebanon's mobile communications sector.

The empowerment of people through data democratization and the proliferation of our primitive understanding of sharing have made telecommunication providers' roles more challenging. People have more control over their lives than any other time in the past, and their demand for not only connectivity, but rich content and experiences, is increasing by the minute.

Smart Dubai Government Establishment organized a one-day workshop for executives and technical teams from various Dubai Government Agencies to raise awareness on Dubai's artificial intelligence service, "Saad" and outline a development roadmap for artificial intelligence in Dubai.

Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) signed a collaboration agreement with Saudi Post, hereby, Mobily products and services like; voice and data SIM cards, recharge vouchers, and E-vouchers, will be provided and sold in all Saudi Post offices and branches around the Kingdom.

Newly appointed Chairman of the Turk Telecom International (TTI) Group Management Board, Mehmet Toros has underlined that the organization's main focus is to generate new sales and enhance business cooperation on the newly launched matchless PoP 'SEA-ME-WE-5' underwater cable system. Turk Telecom International is a leading telecommunications operator in the Middle East, Asia, Turkey, CIS and Eastern Europe. It provides a full range of infrastructure, connectivity, internet and wholesale voice services to incumbents, alternative carriers, mobile operators, internet service providers, content providers and corporate customers.

du is participating in one of the Middle East region's leading events focused on broadcast, satellite and content delivery - CABSAT 2017, running from March 21-23. During the event, du is showcasing content delivery services and the ability to significantly enhance the customer experience.