Ooredoo signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Russia’s second-largest mobile operator MegaFon at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. This will allow both telcos to explore possible future collaboration and expertise sharing in providing ICT services at major sporting events.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Thani, CEO at Ooredoo, said, “We are delighted to be exploring potential collaboration with such a key player in Russia’s telecommunications industry, an organization with which we share many common values, objectives, and strengths. This MoU aligns with our corporate strategy, which includes a commitment to seeking, formalizing, and developing partnerships that will enable us to offer our customers the ultimate in digital services, including enhanced experiences at major sporting events. We look forward to working with MegaFon for the benefit of both countries both now and in the future.”
Ooredoo will be responsible for managing the telecom infrastructure on the FIFA World Cup 2020 to be hosted in Qatar. The country is actively preparing to accommodate football fans and clubs from all around the world. In line with this, MegaFon has unique experience in providing connectivity and information services, as it was the official telecom provider at all FIFA World Cup 2018 events held in Russia.
Gevork Vermishyan, CEO at MegaFon, added, “During the last 10 years, we have gained extensive telecommunication service delivery experience for outstanding public events. In addition to Olympic and Paralympic Games in Sochi, Kazan Universiade, and others, we were able to prepare technological infrastructure at the highest level during the FIFA World Cup 2018 and delighted fans with our ultra-speed reliable network. I am confident that Qatari partners will bring the quality to a new level at the 2022 World Cup, and we will be happy to potentially assist them with our experience and competence. We are proud that MegaFon will once again bring value to one of the most grand-scale events in the world.”
The Qatar-Russia Investment and Trade Advisory (QRITA)helped lay the groundwork for the potential long-term partnership between Ooredoo and MegaFon and will continue to work with both companies to develop their cross-border collaboration.
