Batelco Group is investing 50 million Jordanian dinars (US$70.4m) to obtain a 3G licence through Umniah, its 96 per cent-owned Jordanian subsidiary.

 
Umniah has obtained a 3G licence by paying 50m dinars to the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC).

It will further invest towards infrastructure and network expenses related to the roll-out during the next six months. 

Umniah acquired 2.1 GHz of spectrum from TRC, preparing to move forward with the roll-out of the advanced 3.75G services to its growing customer base. 

Umniah serves more than 2.3m customers in the kingdom, giving it a 31pc market share.

Umniah's new high-speed Internet services, applicable on both smart phones and personal computers, will dramatically enhance customer experience and will enable it to better cater to subscribers' evolving demands in line with local market directions and purchasing power.

"Through our 3G services, we seek to facilitate Internet and data access as well as deliver original and innovative content, services and applications that boost businesses' efficiency and constructively influence subscribers' daily lives," said Umniah chief executive Ihab Hinnawi.

"With our high-speed Internet services, Umniah subscribers will enjoy an exceptional customer experience, increasing the company's positive impact on the Jordanian telecom sector and the community at large," Mr Hinnawi added.

"We are delighted to announce this significant milestone for the group in Jordan," said Batelco Group chief executive Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa.

"It goes a long way towards highlighting Batelco's commitment to and confidence in the Jordanian market as well as our ongoing contribution to the development of the kingdom's information communication and technology sector and overall economy. 

"Overseas growth remains a core part of Batelco Group's strategy and this investment serves to underscore our focus on driving growth and building on our leading positions in key markets such as Jordan where we see significant opportunities for further penetration," he said.

"We have already derived significant value from our investment in Umniah .

"We expect that with the development of Umniah's service offering through 3G capabilities, we will achieve further gains in market share and enhanced results as we go forth," Shaikh Mohammed said.

Scheduled to be launched nationwide between the second and third quarters of 2012, Umniah's advanced 3.75G services will ensure fast and accurate transfer of data.

It will also provide subscribers with instant Multimedia Services. 
Source: gulf-daily-news.com