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Batelco acquires 3G licence in Jordan
25 January 2012
Bahrain operator buys 3G licence in Jordan for $70.3m through Umniah subsidiary
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Batelco
Jordan
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Batelco has spent $70.3 million to obtain a 3G licence through its Jordanian majority controlled firm Umniah, according to a report in the Gulf Daily. Umniah, which has acquired a 3G from the country’s Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, will now make investments in infrastructure and network for a launch over the coming six months.
Ihab Hinnawi, CEO of Umniah, said: “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.”
Umniah has bought spectrum in the 2.1 gigahertz band as it prepares to proceed with the launch of countrywide services during the second and third quarters of 2012, the Gulf Daily reported.
Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, CEO of the Batelco group, said: “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 added: “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.” GTB
Further reading from Global Telecoms Business:
Batelco rolls out triple-play network 03 Jan 2012
Umniah to launch 3G in Jordan in 2012 13 Dec 2011
Batelco to sell towers to fund acquisitions 06 Dec 2011
Batelco 'plans to sell' Indian stake 08 Sep 2011
Zain turns down Batelco offer for Saudi unit 21 Feb 2011