MVNO move by Jordan Telecom Regulatory Authority applauded as a vital step in the liberalization of regional market

KSA, Sept 30, 2007: i2, the largest mobile phone provider in the Middle East and Africa, aims to acquire the first Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) license in the region to operate MVNO services.

"We look forward to being the first MVNO service provider in the region and are currently in talks with several operators to take this forward. This move is in line with our business strategy to expand the value proposition of our services and be part of the pioneering developments in Middle East's telecommunication industry. i2's strong brand equity and extensive distribution network will help us to reach a wider audience for MVNO services, "said Abdul Hameed Al Sunaid, CEO of i2.

The company also welcomed the recent regulatory decision on provisioning of MVNO services in Jordan.

"The move by Jordan Telecom Regulatory Authority to introduce MVNO is a key step in boosting competition and decentralization of the mobile market in the region. We welcome this initiative and look forward to more such developments in the region. The launch of MVNO services will align this region with global telecommunication trends where virtual service providers play an increasingly vital role in the industry, "commented Al Sunaid.

MVNOs are mobile service providers that do not own a telecommunications infrastructure, such as towers and networks, but lease wireless capacity from operators that do. This arrangement allows them to keep overheads and customer service costs low. Unlike resellers, who simply trade in phone minutes, MVNOs act as full-fledged mobile providers, offering customer support, value-added services, retail packages and other options.

According to i2, arrival of MVNOs will mean a win-win situation for everyone involved. For the operator, it means a broader customer base. For i2, it opens up a whole new channel of business, allowing for synergy between its various operations. For the customer, it means more value and more access to advanced content and services. For the region, it means liberalization, heightened competition and, ultimately, more growth!

-Ends- 

About i2:
Founded in 1993 in Saudi Arabia, i2 is the region's largest and most diverse mobile phone provider. Over 2,200 employees across 350 stores in 22 countries are dedicated to providing i2 customers with technological solutions and services that enhance their lifestyles and shopping experience. i2 stores offer the widest range of mobile phones, PDAs, wireless technology, software, value added services and mobile accessories in the region. It is the first mobile phone provider to offer its customers a lifetime warranty and a comprehensive after sales maintenance program on all products purchased in store or online. To better serve its customers, i2 has expanded its reach to include i2 TV, i2 magazine, i2 club, i2 prestige, i2 café and other innovative support programs. For more information about i2 products and services please visit www.i2-mobile.com . i2 operates in: Andorra, Bahrain, Chad, Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jordan,  KSA, Kuwait, Lebanon,  Mauritius, Morocco, Reunion, Senegal, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE and UK.

For more info, please contact:
Rami Halawani/Lisa George,
ASDA'A Public Relations,
Dubai.
Tel: 04 335 5969,
E-mail:info@asdaa.com

 

© Press Release 2007