Ooredoo Launches 3G Services in Algeria:

Ooredoo says that it has launched its 3G network in Algeria this week, just hours after it was granted a 3G license by the regulator.

Coverage is initially available in ten major cities across the country. Customers will however need a second 3G-enabled number from Ooredoo, and add it to their existing SIM card.

Joseph Ged, CEO, Ooredoo Algeria, said: "We're proud to say that our 3G network went live within 10 days of finalising the licensing process and within twelve hours of receiving final approval from the regulator."

Ooredoo now offers customers a range of weekly, monthly and special mobile Internet packages, including a new "Unlimited Internet data offer", the first of its kind in Algeria.

ITU Telecom World 2013 sets agenda for far-reaching changes in ICT sector:

ITU Telecom World 2013 closed its doors last week following a packed programme of networking, knowledge sharing and industry showcasing. The event featured an impressive global line up of showfloor participants, sponsors and partners, including Ooredoo, China Mobile, Huawei, Intel, Alcatel-Lucent, ABS, AT&T, Microsoft Lync, NTT Group, AIS Group, True, DTAC, Telkom South Africa, Rohde & Schwarz & LS Telecom.

Pavilions from around the world highlighted opportunities for dynamic ICT investments to a global audience, featuring Angola, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, China, Gabon, Ghana, Japan, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Lao P.D.R, Malaysia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand (including supporting partners MICT, NBTC and TCEB), Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

“We have enjoyed four busy days of conversations, showcasing and networking at ITU Telecom World 2013,” said ITU Secretary General, Dr Hamadoun Touré. “We welcomed the world’s youngest country, South Sudan, organizations at the cutting edge of our ICT ecosystem as well as young innovators who are already helping shape the future. It has been my privilege to join such a truly broad global debate. As we prepare to return home to different corners of the globe, my overarching hope is that we can take the lessons learnt from our debates here and apply them directly in our lives. Let’s become true agents of change, working to change the world for the better.”

Hosted by the Kingdom of Thailand, ITU Telecom World 2013 convened over 6000 participants from 153 countries worldwide.

“It has been an honour to host ITU Telecom World 2013 and welcome its global participants, showcasing our ICT industry to the world, via all our many activities within the Thai pavilion,” said Group Captain Anudith Nakornthap, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Thailand. “Utilizing the platform that ITU Telecom World 2013 provides has helped us demonstrate and strengthen Thailand’s position as an ICT hub in the ASEAN region.’’

The seismic change taking place in the ICT industry and its far-reaching impact was the core theme underpinning all activities at the event.

ITU Telecom World 2013 sets agenda for change in ICT sector:

ITU Telecom World 2013 wrapped up this week following a packed programme of networking, knowledge sharing and industry showcasing. The event featured an impressive global line up of showfloor participants, sponsors and partners, including Ooredoo, China Mobile, Huawei, Intel, Alcatel-Lucent, ABS, AT&T, Microsoft Lync, NTT Group, AIS Group, True, DTAC, Telkom South Africa, Rohde & Schwarz & LS Telecom. 

Pavilions from around the world highlighted opportunities for dynamic ICT investments to a global audience, featuring Angola, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, China, Gabon, Ghana, Japan, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Lao P.D.R, Malaysia,  Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand (including supporting partners MICT, NBTC and TCEB), Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

“We have enjoyed four busy days of conversations, showcasing and networking at ITU Telecom World 2013,” said ITU Secretary General, Dr Hamadoun Touré. “We welcomed the world’s youngest country, South Sudan, organizations at the cutting edge of our ICT ecosystem as well as young innovators who are already helping shape the future. It has been my privilege to join such a truly broad global debate. As we prepare to return home to different corners of the globe, my overarching hope is that we can take the lessons learnt from our debates here and apply them directly in our lives. Let’s become true agents of change, working to change the world for the better.”

Hosted by the Kingdom of Thailand, ITU Telecom World 2013 convened over 6000 participants from 153 countries worldwide.

“It has been an honour to host ITU Telecom World 2013 and welcome its global participants, showcasing our ICT industry to the world, via all our many activities within the Thai pavilion,” said Group Captain Anudith Nakornthap, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Thailand. “Utilizing the platform that ITU Telecom World 2013 provides has helped us demonstrate and strengthen Thailand’s position as an ICT hub in the ASEAN region.’’

Qatar Telecom (Qtel) is changing its brand name

Qatar Telecom (Qtel) will change its brand name to Ooredoo, the company said in a statement, bringing in the change across it operations in the Middle East, Africa and Asia over the next two years.

It said all operations in which it owns a controlling interest would be rebranded under the new name, which means “I want” in Arabic, according to the statement.

Over the past 12 months, the company has increased its stakes in Iraq’s Asia cell to 64 percent and Kuwait’s No.2 operator Wataniya to 92.1 percent. Wataniya also owns90 percent of Tunisiana and is the company through which Qtel holds a controlling stake in Algeria’s Nedjma.

Qatar Telecom also has a majority holding in Indosat in Indonesia and Oman’s Nawras. It is also in talks to acquire Vivendi’s 53 percent stake in Morocco’s Maroc Telecom.

“It is our belief that we can better serve our global customers by leveraging the combined resources and assets of a strong, unified global business under one brand,” Qatar Telecom chief executive Nasser Marafih said in the statement.

“We also believe that rebranding now will help us to maintain our momentum in the face of new realities for the industry, signaling our commitment to become a global force.”

Qtel, majority owned by the Qatar government, has expanded into more than 16 countries Middle East, Africa and Asia.