Saudi Arabian telecommunications provider Zain Saudi Arabia, a subsidiary of Kuwait's Zain Group, announced that Peter Kaliaropoulos has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer. Zain Saudi's former Chief Operating Officer, Eng. Sultan Al Deghaither, will fill the chief executive role after Mr. Kaliaropoulos leaves on 30 June to pursue other opportunities.
Vodafone Group announced it has completed the sale of its 51 percent stake in Vodafone Qatar to the Qatar Foundation, which already had a joint stake in Vodafone's Qatar unit. The two companies have entered into a five year agreement, ensuring Vodafone Qatar will continue to use the Vodafone brand and have close ties to Vodafone Group.
UAE telecom provider Etisalat, along with Singapore-based telecom operator Singtel, Japan-based SoftBank and Spanish telecom giant Telefónica have signed an agreement to create the first Global Telco Security Alliance to offer enterprises a comprehensive portfolio of cyber security services.
UAE telecom brand du, part of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), has launched new data roaming bundles, available for both individual and business customers. du customers who purchase a weekly roaming plan for AED 200 will receive 2.5GB; while 500MB per day is available from AED 35. For extended travel, du offers 6GB allowance at AED 500 or 15GB for AED 1000.
UAE telecom provider du, a brand of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), has introduced new flexible mobile subscription plans, where customers can benefit from the data minutes offered on a contract plan with the flexibility of prepaid.
The UAE's largest telecom provider, Etisalat, announced that it has further reduced its roaming rates for voice calls, SMS and data. Starting April 1st, 2018, Etisalat's prepaid and post-paid customers will get discounted roaming rates of up to 29% on data, outgoing voice calls to UAE, GCC and local destinations and outgoing SMS while traveling to any Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country through any roaming partner.
Saudi Arabia-based telecommunications provider Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) conducted a 5G technology trial on April 15 at a special stand in Riyadh Gallery Mall in Saudi Arabia. The company has also opened a number of branches in shopping malls across Saudi Arabia as part of its expansion plans.
Etisalat announced on March 28 that it is in the process of upgrading its mobile networks over the next three months as it prepares to meet future requirements for 5G networks, Internet of Things (IoT), and other modern technologies.
Egypt's Minister of Communications and Information Technology Yasser El Kady hailed Egyptian telecommunications provider Etisalat Misr for its contributions to the country's ICT sector in a meeting with Etisalat Misr CEO Hazem Metwally during a visit to the company's headquarters in April. The Minister paid a number of visits to ICT companies, aiming to underline the state's interest in sponsoring companies and investors in the Egyptian market.
South Sudan-based mobile operator Vivacell, owned by Lebanon's Fattouch Investment Group, has had its license suspended effective March 20, 2018, in the African country, for failing to comply with regulations, according to the head of South Sudan's National Communications Authority.
