Telecom Operators

STC signs Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with Ericsson to collaborate on the development of 5G network technologies and services. Together with other technology leaders, Ericsson will outline the road towards 5G, through joint market-leading trials of advanced technologies, incorporating network tests on "Very High Speed", "Ultra Low Latency" and "highly reliable extreme capacity broadband network". The aim of this initiative is also to enable the full digitalization transformation, supporting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s 2030 vision. STC has already successfully carried out unique 5G experiments and Lab tests, moving towards the successful deployment of the much anticipated 5G mobile services. These tests have set a new record in the speed of mobile data services, which in no doubt will lead to a new revolution in mobile network applications and services, through a new exciting 5G Era.

Ooredoo Q.S.C. won "Best Company for Excellence in Investor Relations" and "Best Investor Relations Website" awards at the second Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) Investor Relations Excellence Awards ceremony. Held on Monday, February 6th 2016, the event recognized Ooredoo's best practice in investor relations and its superior contribution to ensuring transparency and adequate disclosure standards with capital market participants in Qatar.

Since being named as Group CEO of Ooredoo in November 2015, Sheikh Saud Bin Nasser Al Thani has infused the regional leader with a new sense of impetus and fresh energy. With the company serving more than 133 million customers as of September 2016, Sheikh Saud has challenged Ooredoo's operations to deliver and sustain data experience leadership across its markets and help more people get the most from the internet.

As the introduction of ubiquitous 5G technology approaches, understanding its use cases and defining the deployment strategies are going to be the key to integrating it on a large-scale, accessible basis. As technology with the potential to revolutionize almost every aspect of modern life for governments, industries, enterprises, and individuals, operators must evaluate the benefits of 5G and set implementation strategies to ensure that they stay ahead of the perpetually transforming ICT industry curve.

The team over at Virgin Mobile painted Dubai Design District red, spreading the love this Valentine's Day, and proving it is possible to fall in love with your telco.

Zain Iraq, the country's leading mobile operator, announces the promotion and appointment of Ali Al-Zahid as CEO of the company, effective February 1, 2017. An Austrian national with Iraqi roots, Al-Zahid most recently held the position of chief commercial officer of Zain Iraq, which he assumed in June 2015 having joined the organization as Director of Sales in September 2013.

In a first for Lebanon's telecommunications sector, Alfa has embarked on another digital transformation process in partnership with Oracle whereby the operator has deployed the Exadata solutions within its systems. As part of this deployment, Alfa will be able to improve its customer experience, performance and scalability, lower operating expenses and improve sustainability by reducing the amount of energy and space required.

Brand Finance announced an 11% increase in STC's brand value from 2016 to become US $ 6.2 billion. With this increase, STC has now become the most valuable brand in Saudi Arabia and in the Middle East.

In another UAE first, du joins hands with the 5-star UAE airline, Etihad Airways, to offer its premium customers unmatched benefits including data and Etihad Guest Miles with the all new Smart Plan Platinum. For the first time in the market, du is also introducing 5GB roaming data to its postpaid plan to ensure that customers have seamless, cross-border connectivity. This tie-up gives consumers an opportunity to immediately attain Etihad Guest Gold tier status, for a premium travel experience with the premium airline.  Gold tier benefits include lounge access, priority check-in and boarding, 50 percent additional bonus miles when flying and an excess baggage allowance.

GBI, a global shared and managed services provider that owns and operates a multilayer carrier neutral network bridging the world to the Middle East, hosted a leadership development workshop for its team that addressed the team’s dynamics and different personalities styles, and identified development strategies within the context of the company’s needs.