Vodaphone News (Gulf Times)

2nd fixed-line phone licence move hailedPublished: Tuesday, 16 September, 2008, 02:04 AM Doha Time

Vodafone and Qatar Foundation Consortium has welcomed the announcement that it was chosen for the second fixed line telephone licence in the country.
The consortium yesterday said it would now start with the licence pre-grant requirements, including the formation of an incorporated company with the other shareholders, as specified in the Fixed Licence Application Procedures issued by ictQATAR.
“It is expected that the combined strengths of Vodafone Qatar’s mobile services and the soon to be formed fixed line company will greatly benefit the people of Qatar,” it said.
Commenting on the announcement, Grahame Maher, Vodafone Qatar chief executive officer said: “Vodafone is delighted as this will strengthen our ability to make a world of difference for the people in Qatar. The combined strengths provided by the mobile and fixed licences will enable the two companies to produce synergies that will deliver total communications services to our customers, whilst delivering value to customers and our shareholders.”
To a Gulf Times query on Vodafone’s proposed IPO on the Doha Securities Market (DSM), Maher said, “We are in the process of getting regulatory approvals. We will be making several exciting announcements shortly.”
Rashid al-Naimi, Qatar Foundation vice-president (Administration), said: “Qatar Foundation has a clear strategy to attract innovative and technology focused companies that will support Qatar’s mission to develop a knowledge based economy whilst at the same time providing employment opportunities, knowledge transfer and best in class services for the people of Qatar.
“With the two companies working together, they will deliver on all of these objectives and we look forward to seeing the company take its place in Qatar’s fast growing telecoms market.”