Ooredoo and communications technology leader, Ericsson, today signed an agreement that sees Ericsson become one of the first named participants for the forthcoming 2014 International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Telecom World Conference set to take place in Doha, Qatar.
The agreement was signed by H.E. Sheikh Abdullah, and Anders Lindblad, President of Ericsson Region Middle East, at a ceremony held at the GSMA Mobile World Congress taking place in Barcelona, Spain, this week.
In signing Ericsson for the event, Ooredoo has engaged one of the world’s leaders in communications technology – 40 percent of the world's mobile traffic goes through Ericsson networks - demonstrating the incredible potential for innovation and technological development that will be released through the conference.
Ooredoo is showcasing a host of “Smart City” and “Connected Lifestyle” innovations during the GSMA Mobile World Congress this year, and aims to engage a number of leading partners like Ericsson in Qatar to support its efforts to make Qatar one of the world’s best-connected nations. Many of these partners will discuss their plans at the ITU Conference later in the year.
As part of the development plan for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Ooredoo is working with the developers of a number of leading megaprojects and key facilities to design and build “networks of the future”. The technology will make it possible for people to access matches, make payments and enjoy Qatar’s incredible facilities using their mobile devices, as Doha becomes one of the “smartest cities” on Earth.
H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani, Chairman of Ooredoo, said: “We are proud to sign this agreement with Ericsson, one of the world leaders in communication technology, which will add significant value to this high profile event. We aim to make the ITU Telecom World Conference in Doha one of the best in the event’s long history, and we are bringing our leading partners to Qatar for the event.”
Anders Lindblad, President of Ericsson Region Middle East, said: “We are in the midst of an industry transformation, and where we are at the moment is just the beginning. As we transition towards the Networked Society, when everything that benefits from a connection will be connected, new opportunities are opening up for communication in terms of innovation and productivity. We see Qatar at the forefront of this transformation, and our participation in ITU Telecom World 2014 is a key opportunity for Ericsson to showcase our innovation and how we are enabling, with our partners such as Ooredoo, the Networked Society.”
The event brings together influential global leaders in ICT from the public and private sectors, for strategic debate, knowledge-sharing, innovation showcasing and networking at the highest level.
The Qatar government appointed Ooredoo to organise the ITU Telecom World 2014 forum on behalf of the State of Qatar. The 2014 annual edition of ITU Telecom World will take place in Doha at the state-of-the-art Qatar National Convention Centre.
About Ericsson
Ericsson is a world-leading provider of communications technology and services. We are enabling the Networked Society with efficient real-time solutions that allow us all to study, work and live our lives more freely, in sustainable societies around the world.
Our offering comprises services, software and infrastructure within Information and Communications Technology for telecom operators and other industries. Today 40 percent of the world's mobile traffic goes through Ericsson networks and we support customers' networks servicing more than 2.5 billion subscribers. We are more than 110,000 people working with customers in more than 180 countries. Founded in 1876, Ericsson is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2013 the company's net sales were SEK 227.4 billion (USD 34.9 billion). Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm and NASDAQ, New York stock exchanges.
About ITU
ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technology. For nearly 150 years, ITU has coordinated the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoted international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, worked to improve communication infrastructure in the developing world, and established the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to new-generation wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, satellite-based meteorology and converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world.
About Ooredoo
Ooredoo is a leading international communications company delivering mobile, fixed, broadband internet and corporate managed services tailored to the needs of consumers and businesses across markets in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia. As a community-focused company, Ooredoo is guided by its vision of enriching people’s lives and its belief that it can stimulate human growth by leveraging communications to help people achieve their full potential. Ooredoo has a presence in markets such as Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Algeria, Tunisia, Iraq, Palestine, the Maldives and Indonesia. The company was named ‘Best Mobile Operator’ of the year 2013 at World Communication Awards. Ooredoo reported revenues of $9.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2012 and had a consolidated global customer base of more than 92.9 million people as of 31 December 2012. Ooredoo’s shares are listed on the Qatar Exchange and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.
Twitter: @Ooredoo
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