Wi-Fi access expansion; no need for scratch cards

Kuwait, 11 April 2006

Wataniya Telecom, the Red Carpet Company, and Smart Link Telecom W.L.L, Kuwait's leading Wireless Provider, today launched the nation-wide Wi-Fi service that will give Wataniya's customers access to broadband Internet from a number of key locations around the country. Various shopping malls, hotels, cafes and restaurants are today equipped with the W-net wireless Internet service, which allows customers to be instantly connected simply by sending an SMS. Wherever customers see W-Net logo in hotspots, they'll be able to access and enjoy wireless internet

"Wataniya is becoming an active player in pushing internet penetration in Kuwait" said Harri Koponen, GM & CEO, Wataniya Telecom. "One of our main objectives for this year is to create a comprehensive portfolio of services that ensure faster broadband Internet access to our customers, as the demand for 'anywhere connectivity' is growing significantly,". "Wataniya is ongoing in boosting wireless connectivity toward new dimensions first with W-Net card and now with Wi-Fi which we believe will match customers' need for a non stop connectivity.  

From any of the Wataniya 'hotspots' in Kuwait, customers can send an SMS with '1' to the number 1505, to get one hour of Internet access, worth KD1. For five hours of access worth KD3, customers can send an SMS with '3' to the number 1505. Customers will then receive their login name and password, which they can use to access the wireless Internet available from the location they are in. The payment for the access will be processed through their mobile phone.

"With this milestone deal, Wataniya and Smart Link have effectively ended the need for Internet scratch cards for Kuwaiti users," said Mazen A. Khatib, General Manager, SmartLink Telecom. "We've been very active in pushing solutions to realize the concept of mobility both in Kuwait and around the region. Through our partnership with Wataniya, we're now taking this to the next level, providing wireless access over the most advanced mobile network in the Middle East. The predicted uptake of this service is huge."

For any technical assistance, customers can call SmartLink on 245 75 42. More information is also available on www.wataniya.com and www.smartlinktelecom.com.

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About Wataniya Telecom
Launched in December 1999, Wataniya Telecom is positioned today the leading provider of mobile services in Kuwait and has been a driving force in increasing the mobile communications market penetration to over 90% percent of the population. 

With operations in Algeria, Tunisia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Maldives, Wataniya is actively expanding its presence within the region as well in Asia, serving over 6.3 million customers, in countries counted over 92 millions citizens in total.

The Company provides a wide range of leading EDGE wireless voice and data services delivered with high quality and designed to meet customer's needs and requirements.   

© Press Release 2006