Africa & Middle East Telecom Week
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Charts & Tables from issue 313 dated 27 March 2008:
 | East Mediterranean Mobile Network Subscriber Statistics: 4Q 2007
|
 | Mozambique Mobile Operators & Penetration 4Q05 - 4Q07
|
Need this issue? - issue 313 is available here.
News:
Headlines from issue 313 dated 27 March 2008:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
East Mediterranean Mobile Network Subscriber Statistics: 4Q 2007
AFRICA:
Celtel International to deploy Connectiva’s ONEREViEW solution
Larrouturou heads-up FT's international management
BAHRAIN:
Batelco inks 3G deal with People Infocom; deploys Windows Server 2008
EGYPT:
France Telecom shows interest in Egypt’s second fixed-line licence
GHANA:
Ghana Telecom to offer IPTV service
ISRAEL:
012 Smile.Communications seeks permission to offer mobile services
Cellcom preparing for mobile TV launch
JORDAN:
Umniah launches ‘Muhafathati’ line in Jordan’s four governorates
KENYA:
CCK decides not to regulate interconnection charges
Econet preparing for June launch
M-Pesa signs up Housing Finance for M-Pesa service
KUWAIT:
Wataniya improves customer satisfaction with collect call service
MADAGASCAR:
Orange Madagascar inks contract with Greenlight Wireless
MOZAMBIQUE:
mCel signs Ericsson for Redback
NIGERIA:
Federal Government begins NITEL/Mtel privatisation process
MTN, Celtel to pay compensation to subscribers
QATAR:
Qtel board approves capital restructuring
Vodafone to float IPO in Qatar
SAUDI ARABIA:
Etihad Atheeb signs 3 contracts with Motorola, ZTE and Wipro; to invest USD 333 million
Mobily plans to invest INR 700 million in Indian subsidiary
Zain to launch Saudi Arabian operations from June 2008
SOUTH AFRICA:
MTN plans to acquire telecom companies in SEA; to invest USD 3.80 billion for improving networks
Telkom launches new Metro LAN service
Vodafone extends proposal to acquire stake in MTN?
TURKEY:
MTN Cyprus customers to enjoy 3.5G benefits
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
du introduces off-peak tariffs on Saturdays
Etisalat to pay cash dividend of 35 percent
Tecom enters into a Wi-Fi deployment deal with du
ZIMBABWE:
Telecel introduces new airtime transfer service
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Africa & Middle East Telecom Week
Headlines from issue 297 dated 06 December 2007:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
Gulf Mobile Network Subscriber Statistics: 3Q 2007
AFGHANISTAN:
Afghan Wireless introduces per-second billing platform
ALGERIA:
Orascom close to finalising LACOM stake sale
Orascom deploys Ditech’s VQA solution for Djezzy network
EGYPT:
Orascom posts 116 percent increase in profits
Orascom to withdraw interest from JV with France Telecom
GAMBIA:
New board of Gamtel resumes duties
IRAQ:
Zain to acquire Iraqna for USD 1.2 billion
ISRAEL:
Alan Gelman appointed as Bezeq's new deputy CEO and CFO
Internet Gold posts 188 percent increase in revenue for 3Q 2007
Number portability is here, finally!
Zeevi planning to recapture Bezeq stake
JORDAN:
Noor increases stake in Jordan Telecom
KENYA:
CCK considering convergence of telecom licences
Telkom Kenya reveals strategy to improve Telkom performance
KUWAIT:
Zain to increase capital by 75 percent
NIGERIA:
Celtel to provide communication services to Chevron
Globcom extends services in 40 more towns in 17 states
SAUDI ARABIA:
Mobily contracts Huawei for IP bearer network
Nokia collaborates with ALJAWAL to roll out Nokia Intellisync mobile services
SOUTH AFRICA:
Telkom considering outsourcing of network division
Telkom end talks with MTN, Vodafone without deal
Vodacom launches two new social networking services
TUNISIA:
Tunisie Telecom to deploy Telarix’s IXTools
UGANDA:
Uganda Telecom cuts jobs as part of restructuring
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
du looking forward to expand
Etisalat, Nokia collaborate to accelerate use of mobile Internet services
ZIMBABWE:
Econet increases call rates by 450 percent
Need this issue? - issue 297 is available here.
Headlines from issue 296 dated 29 November 2007:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
East Mediterranean Mobile Network Subscriber Statistics: 3Q 2007
AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST:
MTN to extend Backhaul technology in other countries
AFRICA:
Celtel extends reach of One Network service
EASSy project gets initial funding
Safaricom, MSTelcom to use Intelsat’s satellite capacities
ALGERIA:
Algérie Telecom selects Ericsson for network upgrade
Government lowers the bar for call centres
BAHRAIN:
BT inks outsourcing deal with Nuetel
BENIN:
Sarci protects its interests
GHANA:
Government selects France Telecom for GT’s acquisition
ISRAEL:
012 Smile.Communications publishes prospectus for trading on TASE
Qtel plans to launch operations in Palestine
KENYA:
Alcazar to contribute USD 58.5 million for Telkom Kenya Deal
Celtel signs SMS interconnection deal with Telkom
KUWAIT:
Saudi Telecom wins bid to acquire stake in third Kuwaiti mobile carrier
MALAWI:
Huawei to deploy optical fibre network for MTL
NIGER:
Regulatory authority chooses France Telecom for Niger licence
NIGERIA:
ALTDON to file suit against Celtel
Celtel Nigeria awards USD 70 million GSM/EDGE expansion contract to Motorola
Globacom commences deployment of fibre network
Mtel rewards customers with reduced tariffs, free calls and SMS
QATAR:
Mansouri appointed executive director of business solutions unit at Qtel
RWANDA:
MTN increases stake in MTN Rwanda
SOUTH AFRICA:
AIRCOM to provide 3G consultation to MTN
Local investment firms acquire stake in NSN SA
Reuben September appointed as Telkom’s new CEO
Vodacom to increase shareholding in WBS to 25.1 percent
SUDAN:
Sudatel interested to buy majority stake in Intercellular
TUNISIA:
Wataniya wins Tunisiana dispute
UGANDA:
Uganda Telecom’s UMTS/HSPA network deployed
Need this issue? - issue 296 is available here.
Headlines from issue 295 dated 22 November 2007:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
Top 25 Middle East Operators by Net Additions 2Q 2007
AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST:
Mobile TeleSystems considering investment options in MEA region
AFRICA:
Etisalat looking at Africa as next investment destination
PT to sell minority stake in Africa holding
CAMEROON:
MTN Cameroon selects Redline’s RedMAX for WiMAX network
EGYPT:
IMEWE consortium to use Telecom Egypt’s infrastructure
Mobinil considers deploying international gateway to route international calls
Orascom reduces stake in HTIL to 14.3 percent
Telecom Egypt registers 12.3 percent increase in profits
ISRAEL:
Bezeq releases 3Q 2007 results
KENYA:
France Telecom consortium wins Telkom Kenya stake
Safaricom inks Internet deal with Google
Treasury acquires Telkom’s interest in Safaricom
KUWAIT:
KIA receives nine more bids for third telecom company
Zain to acquire European telecom firm
LEBANON:
Credit Suisse estimates generation of USD 6 billion from telecom auction
MALAWI:
MTL inks deal with Huawei to deploy fibre optic network
MIDDLE EAST:
GCC to spend USD 375 billion for telecom development
NIGERIA:
Nigerian House of Representatives proposes ban on sale of SIMs
NITEL sale to undergo government, senate review
OMAN:
TRA approves resale of mobile services
SAUDI ARABIA:
Mobily to spend SAR 4 billion for expansion
Saudi Zain to sell 700 million shares
Vivendi fails to reach agreement to acquire stake in Oger Telecom
SOUTH AFRICA:
Telkom SA announces financial results for 1H ’07
Vodacom declares financial results for 1H ’07
Vodacom seems set for listing
UGANDA:
Uganda Telecom restructuring for IPO
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
BT, Etisalat collaborate to connect UAE’s financial sector with global players
Need this issue? - issue 295 is available here.
Headlines from issue 294 dated 15 November 2007:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
Top 100 Africa Operators by Net Additions 2Q07
AFGHANISTAN:
WaselTelecom launches services in northern Afghanistan
ALGERIA:
Orascom reveals intentions to sell LACOM
BAHRAIN:
Batelco reduces call charges on 123 cards
GHANA:
Final evaluation of GT bids commence
MTN, Onetouch fail to adhere to the 30-day NCA directive
ISRAEL:
Cellcom Israel releases 3Q 2007 results
JORDAN:
Umniah launches WiMAX services
Zain unveils SMS translation service
KENYA:
Four firms interested in Telkom stake
KDN to invest USD 350 million in Kenya telecoms
Telkom to invest KES 1.6 billion for expansion
KUWAIT:
Zain registers revenue worth USD 4.27 billion
NIGERIA:
Celtel Nigeria contracts NSN for USD 130 million contract
NITEL imposed NGN 14 billion in damages
OMAN:
Omantel offers USD 204 million for 65 percent stake in World Call
QATAR:
Qtel launches news alert service
Qtel registers profit worth QAR 1.54 billion
SENEGAL:
Sonatel selects Ascade’s Carrier Cockpit Suite
SOUTH AFRICA:
Broadband subscriber base to reach 33 million by 2012
Key Cell C executives resign
Neotel collaborates with IS for ZAR 192 million deal
Neotel expects SEACOM to be operational in 2009
Vodacom registers 22.6 percent increase in subscribers
TURKEY:
Turkcell registers 29 percent increase in profits
UGANDA:
MTN, Uganda Telecom offer reduced tariff options
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
du signs for IPTV and billing solutions
Need this issue? - issue 294 is available here.
Headlines from issue 293 dated 8 November 2007:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
Middle East Markets by Population 2Q 2007
AFGHANISTAN:
Afghan Wireless deploys digital microwave ring around the country
AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST:
MTN Group reports increase in 3Q subscriber growth
AFRICA:
Nigerian Commerce and Industry Minister seeks Celtel’s Nigeria and Niger networks’ integration
BAHRAIN:
Batelco to launch extended validity SimSim voucher
EGYPT:
Etisalat to raise USD 800 million loan to fund network expansion
GAMBIA:
Micheal Ten appointed as new MD for Gamtel/Gamcel
IRAQ:
Iraqi operators to expand operations
ISRAEL:
012 Smile.Communications IPO raises USD 80.1 million
Ericsson to provide HSPA network for Pelephone
Partner Communications releases 3Q 2007 results
Radwin to assist MTN in cellular backhaul project
KENYA:
Government extends deadline for submission of bids for Telkom sale
Telkom to increase service tariffs
MOROCCO:
Maroc Telecom registers 19 percent increase in revenue
NIGERIA:
President pushes NCC to grant mobile licence to NigComSat
OMAN:
Nawras to offer 3G services
QATAR:
Qatar Telecom obtains USD 3 billion loan
Qtel launches new Hala offer
SAUDI ARABIA:
i2 to launch MVNO services in Jordan
Mobily introduces new billing scheme
SOUTH AFRICA:
Vodacom collaborates with Omnifone to offer music download service
TURKEY:
Alcatel-Lucent to provide IP/MPLS upgrade to Avea
Turkcell collaborates with Simena to develop test equipment
UGANDA:
MTN cuts Internet prices by 20 percent
Warid begins deployment of wireless communication technology
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
du introduces new Visitor Mobile Line Pack
ZIMBABWE:
POTRAZ to reduce telecom tariffs
Need this issue? - issue 293 is available here.
Headlines from issue 292 dated 1 November 2007:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
African Markets by Population 2Q 2007
AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST:
Zain CEO seeks to set up UN body for private organisations
AFRICA:
GSMA reserves $50Bn investment to increase mobile coverage in Africa
BAHRAIN:
Batelco plans USD 4 Billion investment for acquisitions
Batelco registers 10.7 percent increase in profits
EGYPT:
Orascom Telecom divests 3 percent stake in HTIL
IRAN:
Telecom sector encourages foreign investment
ISRAEL:
Bezeq board sanctions ILS 1 billion for Pelephone’s HSPA network deployment
Telecom Argentina chooses Radcom’s network and service monitoring solution
Wataniya granted spectrum to operate mobile services in Palestine
KENYA:
Launch of MNP delayed due to lack of funds
KUWAIT:
Wataniya partners with Cisco to offer new Wnet Corporate Offering in Kuwait
LEBANON:
Zain to bid for stake in Lebanese telecom firm
MIDDLE EAST:
T.A. Telecom subscribers to enjoy Shazam’s music recognition service
MOROCCO:
Vivendi increases stake in Maroc Telecom to 53 percent
NIGERIA:
GSM subscriptions cross 43 million mark in Nigeria
Transcorp expects NGN 35 billion revenue from SAT-3 cable
OMAN:
Omantel launches pilot phase of ADSL Internet project
Omantel registers nearly 100 percent increase in 3Q 2007 profits
SAUDI ARABIA:
Mobily announces 43.3 percent increase in 3Q 2007 net profits
Mobily offers new increased speed data bundles
SOUTH AFRICA:
CCMA to hear Telkom wage dispute
TANZANIA:
Vodacom Tanzania inks roaming agreement with MTN Rwanda
UGANDA:
UCC restricts carriers from offering free airtime
Uganda Telecom wins CHOGM Internet deal
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
Etisalat still not open to foreign investment
Need this issue? - issue 292 is available here.
Headlines from issue 291 dated 25 October 2007:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
Middle East Mobile Markets by Teledensity 2Q 2007
AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST:
Orascom awards submarine network deployment contract to Alcatel-Lucent
AFRICA:
LG launches CD 3000 in Sudan; signs contract with Telkom Kenya
ANGOLA:
European Investment Bank grants USD 21 million loan to TVCabo
BAHRAIN:
Batelco secures USD 16 million for final phase of NGN project
BENIN:
Benin government revokes Telecel Benin’s licence
CAMEROON:
CAMTEL selects FTS to deploy billing solution
EGYPT:
NTRA awards 3G licence to Mobinil
ETHIOPIA:
ETC to invest ETB 10.6 billion to expand telecom services
GHANA:
Celtel acquires 75 percent stake in Westel for USD 120 million
ISRAEL:
Ceragon posts 46 percent rise in revenue
Latroun to compete with Bezeq; Communication ministry grants VoB licence
KENYA:
Safaricom granted 3G licence
Safaricom proposes postponement of IPO to 1Q 2007
MALAWI:
Celtel to introduce GPRS services
Malawi directs telecom carriers to provide services in rural areas
MIDDLE EAST:
MobiComp to provide mobile backup solution to two Middle East countries
NAMIBIA:
Telecom companies to award wage hikes to employees
NIGERIA:
Celtel selects John Earley as the CTO
Dangote in talks to acquire Intercellular
Globacom’s subscriber base expands to reach 15 million
OMAN:
Etisalat proposes to purchase stake in Omantel
SOUTH AFRICA:
Kaushik Patel resigns as Telkom CFO
Telsima to provide TelsiNex DCME solution to Vodacom
TANZANIA:
Etisalat enhances stake in Zantel to 51 percent
UGANDA:
UCC orders telecom companies to suspend free airtime promotions
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
Apple denied permission to sign exclusivity deals with UAE network operators
ZIMBABWE:
Econet Wireless contracts Subex Azure for deployment of fraud management solutions
Need this issue? - issue 291 is available here.
Headlines from issue 290 dated 18 October 2007:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
African Mobile Markets by Teledensity 2Q 2007
ALGERIA:
Fitel interested in LACOM’s acquisition
BAHRAIN:
International calls to GCC made cheaper with Batelco pre-paid cards
BOTSWANA:
BTC reduces Internet tariffs
EGYPT:
Orascom Telecom buys back 6.93 million shares
GHANA:
SingTel eyes expansion in Ghana
IRAN:
Interest in privatisation warms-up
ISRAEL:
Airtel selects Optibase to roll out IPTV services
Bezeq executives resign
Deutsche Telekom seeking expansion in Israel
Number portability starting 1 December ‘07
KENYA:
Kenya selects Alcatel-Lucent for submarine cable deployment
Telkom accuses Safaricom of following anti-competitive practices
NAMIBIA:
MWeb awarded VSAT licence
Telecom Namibia joins Cisco Powered Program
NIGER:
Niger to issue two mobile operator licences
NIGERIA:
3G services soon to be operational in Nigeria
OMAN:
Omantel restructures board
RWANDA:
Lap Green Networks wins government’s stake in Rwandatel
SOUTH AFRICA:
CCC to hold hearings on Telkom’s cases
Vodacom commences fibre roll out in Johannesburg; collaborates with SpinVox
Vox Telecom acquires Storm for ZAR 360 million
TUNISIA:
Comptel to provide provisioning and activation solution to Tunisiana
TURKEY:
Shacolas in acquisition talks with MTN
UGANDA:
Hits Telecom ready for launch in November
UCC takes initiative to provide more payphones in rural areas
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
Etisalat posts net profits of AED 5.53 Billion
ZIMBABWE:
Econet secures funding for expansion programme
Need this issue? - issue 290 is available here.
Headlines from issue 289 dated 11 October 2007:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
Middle East Top 40 Operators by Subscribers: 2Q 2007
ALGERIA:
Algerie Telecom privatisation likely to lead to fixed-line sector progress
BAHRAIN:
Batelco introduces promotional offer on international calls
Batelco invests USD 13.5 million in 3.5 G mobile network
TRA to grant third mobile phone licence in December
EGYPT:
Orascom Telecom awards mobile solution contract to Comptel
GAMBIA:
Jobs of Gamtel, Gamcel executives terminated following Spectrum partnership
GHANA:
Six companies shortlisted to bid for Ghana Telecom
ISRAEL:
IBI releases report on number portability
JORDAN:
Umniah selects Eskadenia software for content delivery platform
KENYA:
Court approves sale of Safaricom shares
LEBANON:
Cellular networks auction to be held in February 2008
LIBYA:
Libyana Mobile Phone commences DVB-H trial in Tripoli
NIGERIA:
Celtel awards NGN 16.38 billion contract to NSN
Celtel introduces new mobile access code
Transcorp restructures board
OMAN:
Ministerial committee to restructure Omantel
Nawras extends the coverage of international MMS service
QATAR:
Qtel’s USD 2.5 billion loan oversubscribed
RWANDA:
MTN Rwanda orders backhaul platform
MTN, Rwandatel rectify Caller Line Identification
SAUDI ARABIA:
Mobily acquires majority stake in Bayanat
STC signs Zhone for EFM
SOUTH AFRICA:
Cell C slashes data tariffs
Standard Bank funds MTN’s expansion plans
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
Etisalat introduces calling options at zero credit
Need this issue? - issue 289 is available here.
Headlines from issue 288 dated 4 October 2007:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
African Top 50 Mobile Operators by Subscribers 2Q 2007
AFRICA:
Four more African countries get connected to One Network Service
Togo connects with Benin via telecom link
Tunisie Telecom, Cell C and Azercell Telecom ink mutual roaming pacts
BAHRAIN:
Zain Bahrain introduces WiMAX network in Bahrain
EGYPT:
MobiNil selects VoluBill’s ‘Charge it’ solution
Orascom shows interest in Egypt’s second fixed-line licence
GAMBIA:
Gamtel, Gamcel ink strategic partnership agreement with Spectrum Group
ISRAEL:
Debenture sale generates ILS 423 million for Internet Gold
Government formulates WiMAX tender policy
JORDAN:
MVNOs allowed service provision in Jordanian telecom market
KENYA:
Safaricom expands Kama Kawaida service in Rwanda
Strategic investor to pay for Telkom’s mobile licence fee
KUWAIT:
Government to offer IPO shares of third mobile carrier to citizens
LEBANON:
Alfa to use Intec’s mobile business solutions
MOROCCO:
Wana’s subscriber-base touches one million
NAMIBIA:
Telecom Namibia to reduce call rates
NIGERIA:
Globacom pays NGN 5 million to the NCC
OMAN:
Omantel gains board’s approval for World Call acquisition
Omantel to expand broadband network nationwide
QATAR:
Qtel rolls out new 3G service
SAUDI ARABIA:
Al Jawal’s LRN service simplifies mobile connectivity for Qatar visitors
SOUTH AFRICA:
Fixed-line number portability to be implemented in South Africa
Telkom Media to offer pay-TV services
Vodacom to use Experian Decision Analytics
SUDAN:
Etisalat plans to venture into local mobile services market
UGANDA:
Motorola to deploy WiMAX network in Uganda
UTL to provide BlackBerry service for CHOGM
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
UAE’s telecom sector not open for foreign firms
Need this issue? - issue 288 is available here.
Headlines from issue 287 dated 27 September 2007:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
Western Sahara Mobile Subscribers by State 2Q 2007
AFRICA:
Hits confident it can turn Libercell
MTC postpones plans to re-brand Celtel
ALGERIA:
Nedjma rolls out new Internet service
BENIN:
MTN gets 30 days to pay 50 percent licence fee
GHANA:
MTN working to improve network quality in Ghana
SFO imposes GHC 8 trillion fine on Scancom
IRAN:
Iran to privatise TCI by March 2008
ISRAEL:
DIC to sell 3 percent Cellcom Israel’s shares
Internet Gold considers subsidiaries’ IPO flotation at the US SEC
Internet Gold to set up WiMAX broadband network in Sderot
KENYA:
Telkom stake sale to be delayed
KUWAIT:
Last date for submission of bids for stake in third mobile operator extended
MOZAMBIQUE:
mCel raises call tariffs
NIGERIA:
Celtel unveils plans to upgrade network
MTN, Glo, Celtel to refund NGN 50 each to subscribers
OMAN:
Omantel launches wireless fixed phone service in Oafa, Wadi Saqt
QATAR:
Qtel inks contract with Verimatrix for IPTV content protection
RWANDA:
Six companies vie for government’s stake in Rwandatel
SAUDI ARABIA:
Mobily to acquire local data provider for SAR 1.5 billion
SIERRA LEONE:
Tigo slashes international call rates
SOUTH AFRICA:
MTN uses eGain solutions to improve customer support
Three new government representatives appointed to Telkom’s board
Vodafone not interested in fully owning Vodacom
TURKEY:
Board cancels Turkcell’s 3G licence
Need this issue? - issue 287 is available here.
Headlines from issue 286 dated 20 September 2007:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
Central Africa Mobile Network Subscriber Statistics: 2Q 2007
ANGOLA:
Angola Telecom engages Ericsson for coastal link installation
BAHRAIN:
Batelco offers recharge buffer for pre-paid customers
BENIN:
MTN resumes operations in Benin
EGYPT:
Alcatel-Lucent to upgrade Mobinil’s GSM network
Orascom plans to buy back 25 million shares
Orascom Telecom signs network enhancement contract with ip.access
GAMBIA:
Gambia addressing rural telecom needs
Government considering option to sell stake in Gamtel/Gamcel
JORDAN:
JTG launches single recharge card for mobile, fixed and Internet services
KENYA:
Celtel reduces inter-network call rates for Sundays
Safaricom IPO to be postponed
QATAR:
Qtel introduces new Ramadan offering
Second mobile phone licence attracts seven bids
RWANDA:
SSF acquires 30 percent stake in Rwandatel
SAUDI ARABIA:
NCB to assist Mobily in customers migration
Vivendi keen on acquiring Oger Telecom stake
SOUTH AFRICA:
Cell C simplifies network switch using MNP
Winners of 4 new South African pay-TV licences announced
SUDAN:
Canar plans to expand in Sudan
TURKEY:
Regulator to discuss approval of Turkcell’s 3G award
UGANDA:
Ugandan rural districts receive Internet access
UTL deploys wireless LAN and Internet portal for CHOGM
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
du inks agreement with Latens for security of IPTV service
Etisalat profiles mobile payments and conference call initiatives
Thuraya plans to launch back-up satellite
Need this issue? - issue 286 is available here.
Headlines from the issue dated 26 July 2007:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
African Mobile Group Share & Growth Data
AFRICA:
World Bank to finance MTC’s expansion plan
BAHRAIN:
Batelco to upgrade its network
EGYPT:
Egyptian Communications Ministry grants 3G licence to Mobinil
Orascom Telecom bids for Raya
GHANA:
Ghana Telecom launches Internet facility in New Juaben
Ghana Telecom plans to roll-out mobile TV service
IRAQ:
Kalimat inks infrastructure contract with Huawei Technologies
KENYA:
Econet gains regulatory approval to deploy network in Kenya
Postbank to use Safaricom’s M-Pesa service
Telkom Kenya to improve mobile capabilities
MOROCCO:
Maroc Telecom releases 1H 2007 results
NAMIBIA:
Telecom Namibia launches post-paid service for Switch subscribers
NIGERIA:
GSM service improvement requires USD 15 billion investment
NITEL’s massive job cuts affect workers
OMAN:
Omantel signs deal to connect NBO locations
QATAR:
Qtel to deploy nationwide Wi-Fi hotspots
SAUDI ARABIA:
Mobily reports 1.8 million subscriber base for 3.5G service
Mobily to introduce unlimited mobile TV package
STC releases 2Q 2007 results
SIERRA LEONE:
Celtel launches a substitute for top-up scratch cards
SOUTH AFRICA:
Cell C increases minimum recharge amount for its Woza Weekend offering
ECN Telecoms poised to give tough competition to Telkom
Telkom asks its suppliers to implement BEE plan
Vodacom’s subscriber base shows constant growth
UGANDA:
UTL signs deal with Safaricom to provide borderless communication
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
Etisalat launches Weyak community portal
Headlines from the issue dated 19 July 2007:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
Africa & Middle East African Top 50 Mobile Operators by Subscribers 1Q 2007
AFRICA:
MTL and TDM collaborate to enhance cross-border telecommunication
BAHRAIN:
Batelco posts improved 1H 2007 results
EGYPT:
Vodafone Egypt ties up with Visto to enhance mobile email service
GHANA:
GLU urges Diasporan investors to acquire GT
GT takes its Broadband 4U service to Tamale
ISRAEL:
Bezeq to face regulatory inspection for capital injections into YES
Goldman Sachs to sell Cellcom’s 4 percent shares
KENYA:
AccessKenya to roll out Internet service for residential customers
Celtel, Safaricom sign interconnection agreement for MMS
Government amends Safaricom IPO regulations
Kenya to offer 51 percent stake to investors
Telkom gives explanations to competitors about licencing issues
Telkom introduces new mobile calling plans
KUWAIT:
Kuwait invites investors to register for third mobile licence
MTC releases 1H 2007 results
NAMIBIA:
Telecom Namibia extends Switch service to 9 more towns
QATAR:
KIPCO receives KWD 27.3 million for Wataniya Telecom sale
SAUDI ARABIA:
Saudi Arabian telecom sector booming
Saudi Telecom, du ink roaming agreement
SIERRA LEONE:
TIGO introduces nationwide Internet connectivity
SOUTH AFRICA:
Telkom-Vodacom engaged in fierce competition
Vodacom introduces a new service
TUNISIA:
Tunisia plans to award second fixed-line phone licence
TURKEY:
Vodafone’s Subscriber Base Grows in Turkey and India
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
du awaits regulatory approval to launch fixed-line service
Etisalat in talks with government to encourage foreign investment
Etisalat releases 2Q and 1H 2007 results
Headlines from the issue dated 12 July 2007:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
African Top 50 Mobile Operators by Subscribers 1Q 2007
ALGERIA:
OTA awards contract to Redline to assist in network expansion
BAHRAIN:
Batelco enters the final phase of NGN services roll-out
Batelco reduces Inet-dedicated access tariffs
Kalaam Telecom unveils fixed wireless service in Bahrain
BENIN:
Telecom licences of MTN and Moov suspended
EGYPT:
Etisalat Egypt to contend for second fixed-line licence
IRAN:
Iran addresses Hajjis’ concern for SIM cards
ISRAEL:
ECI to deploy WiMAX solution for Digicel
Partner Communications accused of over charging customers
YES and NDS Group poised to launch computer-based TV service
KENYA:
Kenyan government commences the proceedings for Safaricom IPO
KNFC intends to launch mobile phone service alone
NIGERIA:
Celtel Nigeria announces plans for Project Katsina
SPDC selects Globacom as the official telecom carrier
QATAR:
Qatar’s second mobile carrier to sell its 55 percent stake
Qtel’s post-paid customers to enjoy discounted rates for international calling
SAUDI ARABIA:
MTC Consortium to set up third mobile telecom company in KSA
SWAZILAND:
MTN PAYG customers to get additional talk-time
TANZANIA:
Vodacom introduces mobile e-mail service in Tanzania
UGANDA:
MTN, UTL caught in a dispute over call rates
Uganda Telecom inks network expansion deal with Huawei
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
Etisalat signs deal with Iseemedia to deliver newspapers to wireless devices
Etisalat’s HSPA deployment completed
Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Company gets USD 125 million syndicate loan facility
YEMEN:
HiTs-Unitel to launch GSM services in Yemen
ZIMBABWE:
Econet to roll out 3G services
Headlines from the issue dated 05 July 2007:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
African Mobile Markets by Teledensity 1Q 2007
AFRICA:
Vodacom to launch WiMAX and ADSL services
ANGOLA:
Unitel acquires exchange equipment worth USD 150 million
EGYPT:
NTRA sets regulations for second fixed-line licence
GHANA:
Ghana Telecom expands broadband service in Cape Coast
Ghana Telecom up for sale
ISRAEL:
Shlomo Nehama keen to acquire Arkin’s stake in Bezeq
KENYA:
BT consortium likely to win the Telkom bid
KCCT transferred to CCK
Safaricom considers customer support outsourcing option
MOROCCO:
Morocco Government to sell 4% of Maroc Telecom shares
MOZAMBIQUE:
mCel posts profits for 2006
QATAR:
Qatar reaches 121% mobile penetration rate
Qatar shortlists 12 carriers to bid for second mobile carrier licence
Qtel inks premier property management deal
SAUDI ARABIA:
Mobily pioneers direct debit service for post-paid subscribers
Saudi Oger acquires Telecom Italia’s stake in Oger Telecom
SOUTH AFRICA:
Competition Commission obstructs Telkom’s BCX deal
MTN denies claims by Cell C
MTN to invest ZAR 10 million for laying underground cable
UGANDA:
Uganda Telecom introduces new PLC service
Uganda Telecom to invest USD 50 million for network expansion
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
du’s subscriber base reaches 500,000
Etisalat rolls out location display service for cellphones
ZAMBIA:
Zamtel commences work on USD 100 million project
Headlines from the issue dated 28 June 2007:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
African Markets by Mobile Subscriber Population 1Q 2007
AFRICA:
Flag Strikes another Deal with EASSy; VSNL Likely to Follow
Nokia, NSN reiterate African development plans
ALGERIA:
Nedjma selects Ericsson to deploy MSS
BAHRAIN:
Batelco adds on to Business Benefits campaign
EGYPT:
Orascom Telecom acquires the remaining stake in Mobilink; Wins Sotel Tchad arbitration
ETHIOPIA:
Telrad wins infrastructure contract from ETC
GAMBIA:
Gamtel seeks GMD 50 million for airspan deployment
GHANA:
Areeba debuts GPRS roaming in Ghana
Ghana to privatise Ghana Telecom to attract strategic overseas investors
NCA takes steps to improve telecom access
ISRAEL:
Pele-Phone charged with NIS 239 million class action suit
JORDAN:
NSN initiates operations in Jordan
KENYA:
Alcatel-Lucent bags two contracts in Kenya
Safaricom releases results for 2007
KUWAIT:
Kuwait to witness inception of third mobile carrier in 2008
MTC Vodafone Kuwait upgrades its SMSC
MALAWI:
MTL rolls out new dial-up Internet service
MIDDLE EAST:
Mobily doubles its mobile broadband access speed with HSDPA
MOZAMBIQUE:
mCel reduces tariffs for calls to landlines
NAMIBIA:
InfoVista to provide performance management solutions to Telecom Namibia
NIGERIA:
Celtel rolls out Jembi 210 service
OMAN:
Omantel to acquire stake in Worldcall
QATAR:
Qtel pioneers DVB-H network in the Middle East
SAUDI ARABIA:
STC to invest USD 1.1 billion on broadband; takes Maxis stake
SOUTH AFRICA:
Cell C offers free call offerings to push revenues by 20-25% by 2010
ZIMBABWE:
Huawei partners with TelOne to expand CDMA telephony network in Zimbabwe
Headlines from the issue dated 21 June 2007:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
Southern Cone Mobile Network Operator Statistics: 1Q 2007
AFRICA:
HiTs Telecom to sell stake in Hits Africa to fund expansion program
Vodacom releases annual results for 2006
ALGERIA:
Wmode partners with Nedjma to offer mobile content
BAHRAIN:
Batelco accepts new TRA pricing regulations
BOTSWANA:
BTC selects Ceragon Networks for network upgrade
EGYPT:
Verizon Business rolls out global IPe network Egypt
GHANA:
Areeba launches new package for travellers
Areeba to work under the brand name MTN Ghana
ISRAEL:
Bezeq to deploy advanced data communication network for Mekorot
Swarth Investments keen to acquire ECI Telecom
KENYA:
Government to finance Telkom’s debts pay-off
Safaricom reduces local call rates
MALAWI:
MTL rolls out liberty phone line in Zomba
MAURITIUS:
Mauritius government to sell stake in Mauritius Telecom
MIDDLE EAST:
Middle East telecom market voted the second fastest growing mobile phone market
NIGERIA:
Celtel Nigeria plans USD 1.5 billion investment for network reconstruction
Mike Foley selected as CCO of Celtel Nigeria
QATAR:
Qtel offers new yearly subscription plan
SAUDI ARABIA:
CITC selects three consortia to grant new fixed-line phone licenses
SOUTH AFRICA:
Knott-Craig proposes to resign before the expiry of term
Telkom relies in ADSL service
SWAZILAND:
SPTC announces annual results
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
du to roll out new value-added service shortly
TRA discontinues VoIP roll-out
ZIMBABWE:
Econet to add six base stations in Bulawayo
TelOne’s MD to quit in August
Headlines from the issue dated 14 June 2007:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
Central Africa Mobile Network Subscriber Statistics: 1Q 2007
AFGHANISTAN:
Installation of digital phone lines commences in five Afghan cities
AFRICA:
Celtel slashes roaming call rates in three more African states
DBSA reserves USD 40 billion for Eassy project
IFC to invest USD 320 million in sub-Saharan Africa
BAHRAIN:
Batelco to reduce broadband service tariffs for corporate customers
IRAN:
Iran’s telecom sector invites foreign investors
ISRAEL:
Bezeq International alleged of committing industrial espionage
Cisco acquires stake in P2P solutions firm Oversi
Vodafone rumoured eyeing Cellcom stake
JORDAN:
Jordan’s TRC drafts the introduction of MVNOs
KENYA:
Safaricom to introduce BlackBerry service by June 2007
MIDDLE EAST:
Fastlink introduces new Automatic Speech Recognition system in the Middle East
MOZAMBIQUE:
INCM studying repercussions of third mobile licence
Redline expands WiMAX network in Mozambique
NIGERIA:
Celtel to invest USD 69 million for network expansion
Mobile connections increase by 12,030.18 percent in Nigeria
QATAR:
Qtel launches two additional ‘residential packages’
SAUDI ARABIA:
Mobily inks two additional 3G roaming deals
Mobily launches online payment service for credit card users
MTC to provide mobile service in Saudi Arabia
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
Etisalat adds Pushmail to its service portfolio
Etisalat urges government to allow foreign investors to buy shares
YEMEN:
Saba warns Sabafon of lawsuit regarding SMS news
ZAMBIA:
Zambia dismisses privatisation speculations
ZIMBABWE:
Econet secures USD 20 million for network expansion
Headlines from the issue dated 07 June 2007:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
Western Sahara Mobile Subscribers by State 1Q 2007
AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST:
EMS inks deal with MTC for BlackBerry in MEA
Etisalat plans expansion in MEA region
AFRICA:
Africa witnesses two new fibre project deployments
BAHRAIN:
Batelco inks GPRS roaming agreement with Mobilink Pakistan
EGYPT:
Axiom Telecom commences operations in Egypt
Etisalat Egypt plans 3 million users by end 2007
Etisalat Misr inks contract with Sun for business solution
Orascom Telecom CEO announces acquisition plans in Europe
Sawiris eyes Bouygues Telecom acquisition
GHANA:
Ghana Telecom launches roaming service for Onetouch customers
GUINEA BISSAU:
Orange wins mobile phone licence
IRAN:
TCI to release stock by September
ISRAEL:
Bezeq board to nominate Gabay as acting CEO
Bezeq Releases Strong 1Q 2007 Results
Israel’s Allot offers bandwidth management solutions in Colombia
KENYA:
Three state corporations declares former employees’ appeal to be baseless
KUWAIT:
EXA Telecom, LG Electronics ink mobile distribution deal in Kuwait
MTC to bid for Qatar mobile telephony licence
MALAWI:
Access Communications wins second national operator license
NIGERIA:
Nigcomsat-1 attracts overseas, local entity subscriptions
SAUDI ARABIA:
Mobily launches RIM’s BlackBerry Pearl in Saudi Arabia
Spotmedia signs deal with Mobily for digital signage solution in Saudi Arabia
SOUTH AFRICA:
ADFC releases tender notice for network construction across Southern Africa
South African firm signs USD 15 million deal with Econet for share purchase
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
du poised to offer fixed-line, Internet services across UAE by 2007
Skye-phone partners with Etisalat
ZIMBABWE:
Econet successfully deploys GPRS in Zimbabwe
Headlines from the issue dated 31 May 2007:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
North & East African States Mobile Network Subscriber Statistics: 1Q 2007
AFRICA:
Silicon21 inks distribution agreement with Nokia Enterprise Solutions
Vodafone unveils highly affordable handsets in Africa
EGYPT:
Etisalat Misr, Mobinil and Vodafone Egypt ink interconnection agreement
GAMBIA:
Comium inaugurates network in Gambia
GHANA:
MTN to rev up its network
GUINEA BISSAU:
Orange launches mobile services in Africa
ISRAEL:
Atias to initiate number portability plan
Kan accuses Bezeq of misusing its monopoly position
JORDAN:
Umniah network reaches 99% of Jordanian population
KENYA:
AccessKenya raises KES 2.9 billion in IPO
KUWAIT:
Wataniya Telecom rolls out live mobile TV service
MOROCCO:
Wana awards IMS solutions contract to Comptel
NIGERIA:
BT signs USD 20 billion deal with Nigerian firm to tap domestic market
Glo Mobile’s Classic Plus package enhances its pre-paid network
Nahuce selected by Transcorp as third CEO for NITEL in seven months
Nigeria allies with Globacom for Rural Telephony
NITEL renews its business strategies and targets
RWANDA:
MTN Rwandacell plans free roaming tie up with Safaricom
SAUDI ARABIA:
Mobily reduces domestic and international voice and video call rates by 50 percent
Saudi Telecom foresees rise in overseas revenue through acquisitions
SOUTH AFRICA:
Telkom competitors may be able to access its infrastructure by 2008
SUDAN:
MTC secures USD 362 million loan to expand its Sudan network
UGANDA:
Uganda secures USD 106 million loan from China for fibre optic network
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
du launches 3.5G mobile broadband service
Etisalat Selects Alcatel-Lucent to upgrade its GSM network
ZIMBABWE:
Econet to supply 150,000 additional cellular lines to upgrade network
Headlines from the issue dated 24 May 2007:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
Middle East Mobile operators by Subscriber Numbers: 1Q 2007
AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST:
New directory puts emphasis on named contacts
AFRICA:
Mobile penetration rate to increase in East and Central Africa
EGYPT:
Etisalat Egypt plans infrastructure and subscriber expansion
Orascom Telecom Holding reports its 1Q 2007 Results
Sawiris to bid for Tellas stake
IRAQ:
Iraqna announces 1Q 2007 results
ISRAEL:
Cellcom posts improved 1Q 2007 results
Cellcom to get debenture holders’ approval for listing on Tel Aviv Stock Exchange
NIGERIA:
Vodacom mulling USD 480 million bid for M-Tel
OMAN:
DHL selects Nawras to provide mobile telecom services
Omantel plans expansion in Pakistan
QATAR:
Mozaic entertainment platform introduced in Qatar
Qtel undergoes organisational restructuring
SAUDI ARABIA:
Bayanat to apply for fixed-line licence for second time
Mobily to award USD 266 million contract for 3G network expansion
MTC-led consortium wins third Saudi Arabian mobile licence
SOUTH AFRICA:
MTN adds new members to its management team
TANZANIA:
Sasktel to assume managerial control of TTCL
TUNISIA:
Connectiva Systems to provide its ONEREViEW solution to Tunisiana
UGANDA:
UBC likely to be disconnected from Big Dish satellite service
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
Etisalat reports more than 1 million 3G subscriptions
ZIMBABWE:
Econet to launch 3G services by June 2007
Mugabe and Mutasa eyeing 11 percent stake in Telecel Zimbabwe
Telecel Zimbabwe inks roaming agreements to foster network capacity
Headlines from the issue dated 17 May 2007:
A & ME SUBSCRIBER STATISTICS:
East Mediterranean Mobile Network Subscriber Statistics: 1Q 2007
AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST:
Gulf Development Network enters into JV with Business Phone
AFRICA:
Delays increase EASSy project costs
Three new names for MTN
BAHRAIN:
Batelco commercially launches new Wi-Fi hotspot
Huawei inks partnership deal with Batelco
Nehama to sign deal with Ap-Sab-Ar for an 8.5 percent stake
TRA to liberalise telecom procedures
EGYPT:
Telecom Egypt reports 9 percent rise in revenue
IRAN:
Operators eyeing Iran's telecom sector
ISRAEL:
Internet Gold announces 1Q 2007 results
KENYA:
Celtel Kenya offers calls at KES 6 per minute
LEBANON:
PowerMe Mobile strikes content supply deal with Universal Music Group
NAMIBIA:
Renewable power sources trialled by MTC
NIGERIA:
Celtel rolls out first GSM payphone in Nigeria
OMAN:
Nawras records strong growth in MMS Traffic
