Friendi pens collaboration deal with pan-Asian group

Axiata Group (formerly known as TM International) has entered into a collaboration agreement with Dubai-based MVNO, Friendi Group, with the intention of working together to address the communications needs of expatriates working in the markets Axiata and Friendi operate in.

Amongst the areas of cooperation to be explored is the possibility of setting up co-branding and MVNO relationships between the two groups. The terms of the agreement will also look at the provision of content and services.

“Axiata with its pan Asian footprint has a presence in all the targeted countries. The agreement will allow subscribers to reap the benefits of discounted call rates and value added services such as mobile money transfer, remote recharge and content from home,” commented Dato’ Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim, president and group CEO of Axiata.

The agreement will also have the added benefit of allowing Axiata access to the lucrative Middle East market. Axiata operating companies will be able to reach out and capture the market and do business with their own nationals living overseas.

“Signing the collaboration agreement is a mutually beneficial strategic step for both Axiata and Friendi as it will provide the latter preferred partner status with the Axiata subsidiaries across Asia, as well as enable the Axiata mobile operating companies a unique opportunity to engage millions of their nationals that live and work in the geographical region of Friendi”.

The first concrete outcome of the agreement is a linkup between Axiata’s affiliate in India, Idea Cellular, and the local Friendi operation in Oman to provide the customers in Oman and India better and more affordable communication services.

Axiata is one of the largest Asian telecommunication companies, focused in high growth low penetration emerging markets. Axiata has controlling interests in mobile operators in Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Cambodia with significant strategic stakes in India, Singapore and Iran.