Oct, 21, 2003

Customers Can Now Use Internet International Roaming through GPRS Technology Between Jordan and UAE

Fastlink of Jordan and Etisalat of United Arab Emirates, both leaders in telecommunications services, scored a first of its kind technical accomplishment in the Arab world. Their customers can now benefit from international roaming through GPRS technology, utilizing several types of information services such as Internet, e-mail, WAP, and MMS, as well as the previously available voice and SMS services.

This interconnection, which took place before the opening of GITEX Expo, the most recognized telecommunications and information technology exhibitions in the Middle East, is considered a fruit of great technical cooperation and intensive trials carried out by both companies to operate international roaming through GPRS technology between both countries. It is also believed to be an accomplishment that underscores the pioneering technological position and prominent presence of both companies on the regional level.

On the occasion of launching this new service, Fastlink offered its clients traveling to Dubai to attend GITEX (October 19-23, 2003), free international roaming service through GPRS. This allowed them to check their emails and browse the Internet on the move as though they had never left their offices.

Mr. Isam Saleh, international roaming department manager at Fastlink, said: "We further appreciate the value of this joint success, as we know this is the first of its kind in the region. This joint accomplishment comes after weeks of successful linkage of the MMS service with our mother company, MTC, in Kuwait, which was also the first in the region. Tremendous energy was required from Fastlink and Etisalat in the planning, implementation, and testing process to achieve this feat. Our engineers were able to overcome several technical obstacles. The successful completion of the project today emphasizes the technical ability of staff in both companies and further consolidates their pioneering position on the regional and international levels."

-Ends-

MTC Group
Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) was founded in 1983 and today is one of the largest mobile operators in the Middle East and Africa, with more than 8.5 million customers in Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon and 13 countries in Africa. MTC is listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange.

In September 2002, MTC entered into a Partner Network Agreement with Vodafone, the world's leading mobile community, in Kuwait creating MTC Vodafone Kuwait. In 2003 MTC continued its expansion with the acquisition of 96.4% of Fastlink in Jordan.

MTC's aspiration did not slow down and in 2003 MTC-Vodafone Bahrain was launched with the first 3G/EDGE nationwide network in the world. In 2004 the MTC Atheer service was launched in Southern Iraq, and today covers Baghdad as well.

2004 also witnessed the government of Lebanon handing over the management of LibanCell to the MTC Group. Most recently in March of 2005 MTC acquired Celtel International, a Duch communications network company with major interests in 13 Sub-Saharan African countries, in one of the biggest telecom deals in the Middle East and Africa worth $ 3.36 billion.

MTC Group now operates in 18 countries. With this deal MTC Group has completed its first phase of its 3x3x3 strategy which entails becoming a global operator with more than 20 million customers by 2011. MTC will continue to expand internationally through acquisitions, partnerships and green-field opportunities.

For media inquiries and requests for information on press releases, events, announcements, community projects and sponsorships, please contact:
Suha Halaseh
Sr. Press Officer
Mobile : +962 79 5570370
Tel.: +962 6 5828100 Ext. 2016
Email: suhah@fastlink.com.jo

© Press Release 2005