14 DAY TRIAL // Samsung Electronics and Bayanat Al-Oula for Network Services, an emerging alternative telecom services provider in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, announced they have signed a contract to deploy the largest Mobile WiMAX network in the region.
Under the agreement, Samsung will supply Mobile WiMAX equipment and devices to Bayanat Al-Oula over a two year period beginning in 2007. This partnership will result in the largest Mobile WiMAX deployment in the Middle East region. Bayanat Al-Oula plans to launch commercial services based upon Mobile WiMAX technology in four major cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Makkah in 2007, with nationwide expansion to follow.
"We envision that Mobile WiMAX will revolutionize data services in the same way that mobile network technology revolutionized voice services. Data services, such as high-speed Internet access, video and audio streaming, and wireless VPN connectivity will transform the way end-users use these services and significantly enhance their value. The combination of Samsung's expertise in Mobile WiMAX technologies, and Bayanat's innovation, market knowledge and commitment to delivering value to customers will transform the telecoms industry in Saudi Arabia," said Mr. Abdulmajeed Elshawa, CEO of Bayanat Al-Oula.
Mobile WiMAX is the ideal solution for establishing broadband data and voice communication into the Middle East, overcoming the region's geographical challenges. Thanks to its wireless connectivity and capabilities, an increase of Mobile WiMAX adoption is expected in other Middle East nations following the commercialization of Mobile WiMAX with Bayanat Al-Oula,
Samsung has already had successful experience in deploying Mobile WiMAX technology in other regions around the globe. Mobile WiMAX service was first commercialized in the Korean market in June of 2006 and has shown significant growth and expansion in other worldwide markets. Samsung is currently supplying equipment for trials and commercialization in Europe (Italy), Asia (Japan), North America (US) and South America (Venezuela and Brazil).