Maktoob (www.maktoob.com), one of the most prominent Arabic websites providing e-mail and supporting services, and the largest Arabic content provider worldwide, announced the signing of a strategic agreement with Egyptian leading ISP, Starnet (a subsidiary of Raya Holding). The agreement, which was signed by Ahmed Nassef, Maktoob vice president and Tarek Zidan, managing director of Starnet, aims at providing customized services and content to Egyptian Internet users through an action plan that will result in the spreading of Starnet's various services including the comprehensive content from Maktoob. This step is expected to highly intensify internet usage in Egypt. Ali Dajany, vice president of the Tech Fund at EFG-Hermes, and also a board member of Maktoob, had a main role in arranging this important alliance.
Ahmed Nassef said that Maktoob is currently focusing on the Egyptian market where there are almost 200 thousand Egyptian subscribers in Maktoob, which is around 13% of the total number of subscribers in Maktoob. In addition Nassef stated that the Egyptian market is one of the fastest growing markets in the Arab world, and accordingly it was necessary to increase Maktoob's presence in Egypt through the alliance with a market leader like Starnet. Maktoob has already pursued this policy in several Arab countries like Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Nassef also added that there are more than 1.8 million subscribers in Maktoob which renders it as the most popular website among Arab Internet users worldwide.
Nassef also said that Starnet provides comprehensive services to the different segments of the Egyptian market using the highest technologies through a solid infrastructure, which is considered one of the major advantages of this alliance. Dealing with Starnet is also an important investment that will help both parties attain mutual benefits and realize self financing which in turn will continue Maktoob's success in achieving its challenging objectives.
Tarek Zidan, the managing director of Starnet, announced that since Maktoob is currently the strongest Arab website where 60% of its subscribers are under the age of 35, Starnet has participated in this alliance to be able to provide its services to the wide base of young Egyptian subscribers in Maktoob. This alliance also states that a lot of Arab content customized for Egyptian users on Maktoob will be available only to Starnet users.
According to the set plan Starnet will provide connectivity services through Maktoob / Starnet co branded scratch cards and through a special connection number (09080303) and a free internet number ( 07770303). Starnet team will set the promotional plan for the new scratch cards as well as handle their design and printing. On the other hand Maktoob will promote Starnet services through online advertising on Maktoob website, and also provide specially customized content for Starnet users in Egypt.
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© Press Release 2005
