Nine Months Later

albarrak  
Al Barrak suggests the rebranding of Celtel will commence in the third quarter.

Nine months after the launch of its new global corporate brand, Zain Group continues to build its case to become a top 10 global telecoms operator by 2011. Market conditions are becoming all the more challenging and the emerging market halo is fast evolving into

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New Horizons

In April CDMA pioneer Qualcomm opened up its first representative offices in the Middle East in Dubai Internet City. Given the overwhelming dominance of GSM technology in the region, at first it appears a curious move. However, when looked at in the context of Qualcomm’s participation in the WCDMA market and the slowing pace of growth of the cdma2000 market, this may prove to be a timely shift in focus for the San Diego stalwart.

qualcomm
Dubai epitomises the rapid development taking place in the wider region, which Qualcomm will be keen to participate in.

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The regeneration game

Nokia is in the enviable position of having a market share larger than its next three competitors combined. Despite this commanding lead, the handset manufacturer continues to look at ways to reinvigorate itself and continue to stay ahead of the industry’s development curve. Comm. speaks to Mark Selby, Nokia’s vice president of Industry Collaboration about how the company is adding value and remaining relevant in a fast evolving marketplace.

Nokia CEO Kallasvuo is keen to see the company take more risks as it bridges the convergence between mobile communications and the Internet. New products are expected to start shipping in Q3.

In a rare misstep from Nokia, the Finnish handset manufacturer missed its earnings expectations for Q108 to end-March, attributing a slowdown in the global handset market to its failure to reach its forecasted numbers.
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Comium Mobile attracts attention

There are rumours circulating that at least one mobile operator is conducting a due diligence exercise of Comium Mobile (C-Mobile), the mobile communications arm of Luxembourg-based Comium Group.

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Land of opportunity

The UAE’s telecoms sector has grown to epitomise the positive results that can be achieved through the deregulation of a market and introduction of competition. Given the country’s relatively small yet wealthy population, together with the high proportion of expatriates present, the UAE offers the two national operators every opportunity to innovate while learning to appreciate the value of building strong customer relationships.

Etisalat - Mohammed OmranMohammad Omran, Etisalat’s chairman has spearheaded the  telco’s foreign expansion

One need only browse recent financial earnings releases announced by the UAE’s two national operators Etisalat and du to see that the market is characterised by strong operational fundamentals that are translated into positive business results.
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