South Korean technology giant Samsung Electronics has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ooredoo, formerly known as Qtel Group, a leading telecom company with presence across markets in the Middle East North Africa and South-East Asia.
The pioneering deal will see both parties collaborate on projects to accelerate the growth of mobility and internet adoption across all Ooredoo markets, with a strong focus on Qatar and Indonesia.
In particular, Samsung was drawn to Ooredoo’s ability to provide innovative products to the youth segment – a strategic push recently highlighted by the launch of Samsung’s Galaxy Y series for younger consumers. About 40 percent of customers in Ooredoo’s key markets are under 25 years of age, and the company has placed particular emphasis on providing data services that enrich lives and create new opportunities.
“We are excited to partner with Samsung, one of the world’s leading technology companies,” said Cynthia Gordon, Group Chief Commercial Officer, Ooredoo. “It is clear that they share our belief that mobile communications can help people, and especially young people, realize their full potential. Like us they are considering mobility as a platform for empowerment and enrichment. Together, we will not only work hard to bring better deals to our customers, but also create a lasting legacy that improves connectivity among youth and businesses.”
Sunghak Jang, Vice President, Samsung Mobile business, Middle East and Africa said: “Samsung is pleased to collaborate with Ooredoo, a leading international operator that drives faster mobile internet adoption. Ooredoo has been focused on empowering people via connected mobile devices and has a clear understanding of the needs of customer in emerging markets. I am very confident that this will be just the start of a highly successful collaboration.”
Samsung is the world’s smartphone leader and number one provider of Android powered smart mobile devices, according to research companies Canalys and Gartner, boosted by its successful GALAXY series of smartphones and tablets.
Ooredoo stands at the top of Samsung’s partner list for marquee launches in 2013, and will be able to provide significant value to customers through competitively priced voice, SMS and data bundles, high-quality SIMs, customer care and device detection capabilities.
About Ooredoo
Ooredoo, formerly known as Qtel Group, 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 South-East 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 reported sales of $8.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2011 and had a consolidated global customer base of more than 89.2 million people as of 30 September 2012. Ooredoo’s ultimate parent company is Qatar Telecom (Qtel) Q.S.C., whose shares are listed on the Qatar Exchange and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.,
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of televisions, smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 236,000 people across 79 countries with annual sales exceeding KRW 201 trillion. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com
