Press Release Content

wi-tribe launched in Jordan.

The Qtel Group's wireless broadband vision received a boost Saturday 21 june with the launch, in Jordan, of the first wireless broadband services of wi-tribe, the group's all-new broadband Internet subsidiary.

wi-tribe is expected to revolutionise broadband connectivity by freeing internet users from fixed line connections, and providing high-speed personal broadband connections. Utilising the latest WiMAX technology, wi-tribe will provide broadband Internet access through a portable wireless modem that simply plugs into the customer's computer.

While Jordan is the first market to go live with the new services, more markets are to follow as The Qtel Group continues to establish WiMAX networks throughout the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

"Today, we have reached an important milestone in the evolution of The Qtel Group. Our vision for bringing broadband wireless access to more people, connecting people and business more easily, is coming to fruition," said Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al-Thani, Chairman of The Qtel Group.

"The launch of our first services in Jordan is just the beginning. As The Qtel Group continues to expand, we will continue to leverage our strengths to deliver important technologies to new markets, and enhanced services across all operations. As always, our customers are our focus and it is this passion that lies squarely behind wi-tribe."

wi-tribe was founded by two shareholders, Qtel (Q.S.C.), and A.A. Turki Corporate Trading and Construction (ATCO), one of the leading companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and enjoys a strong partnership with Clearwire, one of the world's leading wireless broadband service providers.

Wi-tribe intends to leverage The Qtel Group's regional operating experience and multinational footprint, ATCO's network of investors and deal makers, and Clearwire's broadband wireless experience to rapidly capture WiMAX spectrum. The brand is focused on delivering excellent network quality and services in targeted areas, mainly for residential, small office/home office customers, and developing a strong platform for distribution of broadband content.

The phenomenal growth in both Internet and Broadband penetration globally has been accompanied by a steady decline in broadband Internet adoption, mainly due to infrastructure constraints, leaving emerging markets without adequate coverage to meet consumer demand. Broadband wireless services are expected to overcome these hurdles, offering significant growth potential and enhanced opportunities for business.

The Qtel Group's expanding geographical footprint has taken it into 16 markets in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia to date. In line with its vision to be among the world's top 20 telecommunications companies by the year 2020, The Qtel Group is continuing to expand into high potential markets where there is a need for important technology like WiMAX to spur growth and enhance opportunities for business.

"wi-tribe is an important development in the ongoing growth of the Qtel Group. While we already provide a broad spectrum of advanced broadband wireless services to consumers and businesses in Qatar, we are committed to improving access to internet broadband regionally and in emerging markets," said Dr. Nasser Marafih, CEO of Qtel and its newly-formed management services company, Qtel International.

"Historically, The Qtel Group is known for its customer focus and commitment to bringing innovation to telecommunications. Consumer broadband is a major pillar of growth for Qtel to achieve its vision of becoming one of the top 20 operators in the world by 2020. With wi-tribe, we are able to deliver an important technology for the medium to long-term that will serve the needs of broadband customers."

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al Turki, Chairman of ATCO, said: "This is an historic occasion for wi-tribe, bringing what we believe is an extremely welcome and competitive product to new markets. We look forward to breaking new ground for more Internet customers."

On behalf of wi-tribe's partner, Clearwire Corporation, company founder Nick Kauser added: "We are delighted to be providing our support to wi-tribe, taking Clearwire's experience outside its existing markets in Europe and America."

WiMAX represents the very latest in hassle-free Internet service provider technology. With wi-tribe poised to deliver cost-effective internet access to Jordan, and more planned broadband wireless deployments across The Qtel Group's footprint that stretches from Algeria to Indonesia, The Qtel Group is being established as an engine of growth and connectivity in the region and internationally.

Notes and contacts

About National Wireless Broadband Network (WiMax)

In the first phase, Qtel has deployed a national WiMax infrastructure comprising of base station equipment at 23 sites covering over 90 % of the State of Qatar. In addition were a range of indoor and outdoor (Customer Premise Equipment) CPE , network products and a comprehensive Network Management solution.

The deployed fixed WiMax is a state of art Access technology adhering to IEEE 802.16d standard (software upgradeable to 802.16e). The network delivers carrier grade SIP based voice services through its Next Generation Network (NGN) and Internet access speeds upto 2 Mb.

The network has a current capacity to support upto 4000 customers.

The WiMax network has enabled Qtel to speed up provisioning of Voice and Internet services to customers in areas which lack fixed network infrastructure like temporary construction sites as well as green field sites.

Over 650 customers have been connected successfully in a record 35 day time period. These included nearly 500 customers who were successfully migrated from an earlier technology WLL (Wireless in Local Loop) with no change in tariffs nor numbering plan.

Qtel has invested QR 5.0 m initially towards infrastructure and CPE and will complete the second phase of expansion by Q3-2008. The 2nd phase will add capacity and enhance coverage to nearly 100 %.

The network infrastructure will be enhanced in the near future to backhaul transport of bulk data at high speeds (upto 30 Mbps), provide VoIP, leased lines, video conferencing and triple play services.

The WiMax technology was first successfully tested and deployed in the backhaul during the 15th Asian Games held in Doha in 2006 to connect media centers from venues. At the venues Internet access was provided over a Wi-Fi network.

By deployment WiMax during the 15th Asian Games as well as a new network for its customers, Qtel became one of the first in the region to adopt the WiMax technology ahead of others.

About wi-tribe

wi-tribe - Is the easiest and funkiest online community to join and connect with the world. Across The Qtel Group's footprint that stretches from North Africa to the South Pacific, wi-tribe can deliver cost-effective internet access to emerging markets: becoming a driver of growth in connectivity. Plug in and Go - wi-tribe offers unrivalled simplicity of operation and a passion for customer service.

Ground-breaking WiMAX technology allows instant connection to the Internet through satellite technology. International Presence - wi-tribe has its corporate office in the Kingdom of Bahrain, with Jordan becoming the first wi-tribe enabled market in April 2008.

Corporate partners - wi-tribe was founded by two shareholders. The Qtel Group is one of the fastest growing telecommunications services providers with a presence in 16 markets in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia and A.A. Turki Corporate Trading and Construction (ATCO) is one the leading companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. wi-tribe enjoys a comprehensive technical partnership with Clearwire, one of the world's leading broadband wireless operators in North America and Europe.

The Qtel Group

The Qtel Group of companies, also known as Qatari Shareholding Company (QSC), provide corporate and retail telecommunication products and services via operations across the Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and Asia.

The Qtel Group formed as a result of Qatar Telecom's (Qtel) rapid regional and international growth. Since 2005, The Qtel Group has grown from two to 16 operations. The Qtel Group is now based in 16 countries across the Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and Asia, covering a population of over 560 million people and nearly 44 million customers. Of these, 16.8 million are consolidated subscribers.

The Qtel Group continues to pursue an ambitious growth strategy in line with the company's strategic vision of becoming a global top-20 telecommunications provider by the year 2020.

LATEST PRESS RELEASES