Editorial

Despite the economic situation, it is believed that the telecommunications industry, especially in the region, will continue to grow and register better performance. And today, broadband became the biggest revolution in telecoms and a key for overcoming the crisis.

Several telecom events took place last month, most of which, have clearly focused on broadband as a key for growth. More than 500 international delegates from across the globe arrived in Beirut last May to take part in Arabcom International Telecom Summit. Under the theme “Broadband: a necessity for socio-economic development and growth,” Arabcom was a big success. Also SAMENA’s Beyond Connectivity 2009 annual conference focused on the financial crisis and the potential of broadband in overcoming the crisis.

This month, and through a wide interview with Ahmed Mekky, CEO of Gulf Bridge International (GBI), Telecom Review is bringing you insight information about GBI, the new company dedicated to connecting all the nations of the Gulf to one another and to the rest of the world, East and West, using the latest fiber optic technologies. GBI is the first in the region to adopt the latest technology from the industry leader in undersea networking. GBI’s initiative to build a GCC-owned and operated cable aims not only to satisfy the increasing demand on reliable communication but also to provide the opportunity to leverage on local resources and assets from within the GCC countries.

Finally, on the news level and after wining the third mobile license in December 2008 in Iran, Etisalat failed to meet its payment terms; as a result it lost the license. Zain, the Kuwaiti operator that was the runner-up in the original round of bidding, will now take over the contract.