BARCELONA – South Korean technology giant Samsung Electronics has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ooredoo, formerly known as Qtel Group, a leading telecom company to accelerate mobile Internet adoption and create value for customers across Ooredoo markets with a presence across markets in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia. The deal will see both parties collaborate on projects to accelerate the growth of mobility and Internet adoption across all Ooredoo markets, with a strong focus on Qatar and Indonesia. Samsung was drawn to Ooredoo's ability to provide innovative products to the youth segment – a strategic push recently highlighted by the launch of Samsung's Galaxy Y series for younger consumers. About 40 percent of customers in Ooredoo's key markets are under 25 years of age, and the company has placed particular imphasis on providing data services that enrich lives and create new opportunities. “We are excited to partner with Samsung, one of the world's leading technology companies,” said Cynthia Gordon, Group Chief Commercial Officer, Ooredoo. “It is clear that they share our belief that mobile communications can help people, and especially young people, realize their full potential. Like us they are considering mobility as a platform for empowerment and enrichment. Together, we will not only work hard to bring better deals to our customers, but also create a lasting legacy that improves connectivity among youth and businesses.” Sunghak Jang, Vice President, Samsung Mobile business, Middle East and Africa said: “Samsung is pleased to collaborate with Ooredoo, a leading international operator that drives faster mobile Internet adoption. Ooredoo has been focused on empowering people via connected mobile devices and has a clear understanding of the needs of customer in emerging markets. I am very confident that this will be just the start of a highly successful collaboration,” he said. Samsung is the world's smartphone leader and number one provider of Android powered smart mobile devices, according to research companies Canalys and Gartner, boosted by its successful Galaxy series of smartphones and tablets. Ooredoo stands at the top of Samsung's partner list for marquee launches in 2013, and will be able to provide significant value to customers through competitively priced voice, SMS and data bundles, high-quality SIMs, customer care and device detection capabilities. In Qatar, Samsung and Ooredoo will explore opportunities to help Ooredoo enhance its QAR1 billion fiber project to deliver high-speed Internet and next generation television services across the whole country by 2014, by supporting multi-screen service offerings. — SG
