Huawei And Zain Partner In Setting Industry Outlook

Huawei leads talks on improving customer experience whilst achieving sustainable telecom growth during Zain Technology Conference 2012

Middle East – November 7, 2012: Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, has proposed a variety of tangible recommendations for expanding intelligent information networks across the MENA region during this week’s Zain Technology Conference 2012 held in Dubai, UAE, from November 5-7. Welcoming to the region a host of its global experts, Huawei believes that deeper collaboration with groups like Zain will serve as an enabler of technology innovation, driving social and economic development while creating value for individuals and society as a whole.

During the conference, more than fifteen Huawei senior executives and business consultants led sessions covering new advancements within radio access, transmission & IP backhaul, core network technology, green site energy solutions, business support systems (BSS), cloud solutions, managed services and the introduction of faster LTE -compatible devices to consumers in the Middle East. Amongst the workshops that Huawei hosted was a 3-part series titled “Best MBB Network Practices for Excellent Business” leveraging the company’s unparalleled experience in the deployment of mobile broadband including the region’s first LTE network.

“Both Huawei and Zain recognize that today’s ICT tools enable us to connect industries that have traditionally operated in silos, realizing true cross-industry collaboration in order to expand opportunities for consumers, enterprises and the telecom sector,” notes Mr. Shi Yaohong, President of Huawei Middle East and panel speaker at the conference. “This particular forum is a unique opportunity for us to share the deep experience and expertise that Huawei has developed through our global operations–supporting best practices alongside our fellow industry peers on the local level.”

After a gap of two years following the sale of the Zain Africa and the successful restructuring of Zain Group, the company has brought together its Network and IT partners in order to align all operating companies and partners around a renewed focus on commercial operations that will give Zain a competitive edge.

Expanding the scope of the 2012 forum, this year’s Zain Technology Conference served as both an exhibition and thought-leadership platform with nearly 40 partners from across the ICT sector participating. It is the second such conference to be hosted by Zain in recent years.

Huawei and Zain have recently collaborated on a wide range of projects spanning Zain’s geographical footprint within the Middle East and Africa. Since 2010 Huawei has been a steadfast partner in the rollout of mobile broadband for Zain, including the 2011 launch of HSPA+ networks in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Lebanon. Huawei has also partnered with Zain in the field of GSM & LTE re-farming in Kuwait & Saudi Arabia, leading to the commercialization of Zain’s 4G LTE network in Saudi Arabia in 2011. In countries such as Kuwait, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Morocco, Huawei has also partnered with Zain in providing end-to-end Managed Services and modernization of its telecom networks.

Mr Hisham Akbar, Deputy CEO and COO of Zain Group, added: “The Zain Technology Conference 2012 Dubai falls in the framework of our new strategy. We are renewing our commitment to our customers to provide them with the latest innovative and top notch technology services through our partners who are the market leaders in the telecom industry.”

Last year Huawei started its transformation into a complete end-to-end ICT solutions provider across its Carrier Network, Enterprise and Consumer businesses. Witnessing double-digit growth in staff as well as a 20% rise in regional contract sales during 2011, Huawei believes that such expansion will be sustained through 2012 as the company deepens its relationship with service providers like Zain and focuses its investments in R&D innovation–which increased by nearly 35% last year alone.

Press Release