Qtel and Cisco Systems cement long term partnership to build 'Broadband Country' at Gigabit speed

Cisco to facilitate Qatar’s e-transformation into an IP- enabled economy

Dubai, September 25, 2005 – Qtel (Qatar Telecom), Qatar's telecommunications provider, and Cisco Systems have entered into a long term partnership to formulate an integrated IP strategy in support of building the country's e-infrastructure at gigabit speed. Both companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at leveraging greater co-operation towards realising Qtel's strategy of implementing a countrywide broadband infrastructure. The announcement was made at a joint press conference held today (Sunday, 25 September 2005) during Gitex Dubai 2005, which is being held at Dubai World Trade Centre.

The MoU facilitates Qtel's adoption of a state-of-the-art converged IP infrastructure and directly supports the telecommunication needs of Qtel's major clients and partners in the development of "Broadband Qatar" such as Qatar Foundation, Doha Asian Games and the Doha International Airport expansion project. The partnership base relies on a Managed IP Services strategy that would establish Qtel's leadership among the region's Service Providers allowing the company to elevate its offerings to the next generation of telecommunication services, as well as provide a solid commitment towards a dvancing e-Learning, e-Government and e-Business in the country.

Dr. Nasser Marafih, CEO, Qtel, said, "Qtel has strategically aligned itself with the country's objective of becoming a broadband enabled society. IP has always been at the core of this process, providing greater flexibility to the network and services. Realising the merits of IP based infrastructure, Qtel and Cisco Systems are focused on expanding our strategic alliance and see to fruition these tangible benefits. At Qtel we have already implemented three Cisco based business ready data centres geared towards improving information flow, storage and upgrading our services to meet a growing pool of customer expectations and needs. Together with Cisco we have successfully worked on implementing the first Cisco Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) solutions in the region as well as the first c onverged voice, data and video triple play network."

The MoU will result in a high-level cooperation between each company's consultants and technical teams. This rapprochement will streamline Qtel processes, accelerate delivery of services as well as shorten cycles of engagement. The result will be a faster time to market of relevant services in support of a fast growing economy. The alliance also provides Qtel with the tools to maximize benefits from their GPRS and 3G Networks across Qatar , enabling mobility via IP and supporting a host of value-added services to the Provider's portfolio. Over the past five years, Cisco System has partnered with Qtel to cater to the company's corporate IT requirements by deploying converged voice, video and data networks across IT, wireless and wireline divisions.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sam Al Kharrat, Cisco Systems General Manager for the Gulf region and Pakistan said: "We are very pleased to see closer and more integrated cooperation between our teams. This agreement will enable a quicker, more responsive and relevant rollout of services to the market. An Intelligent IP network foundation will be pivotal to the implementation of a next generation network for the country. Cisco Systems would like to compliment Qtel on its far-sightedness and look forward to a continuous productive and collaborative relationship," he added.

Qtel's Business Units consist of Wireless Services (GSM, paging, trunk mobile radio, Thuraya satellite communication and Third party WAP), Wireline Services (Voice, Data and Internet) Special Businesses (Qatar Cable Vision, Payphones, yellow pages and directory enquiries), Customer Services and General Services.