Ooredoo and communications technology leader, Ericsson, on Wednesday signed an agreement that sees Ericsson become one of the first named participants for the forthcoming 2014 International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Telecom World Conference set to take place in Doha, Qatar. The agreement was signed by Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani, Chairman of Ooredoo, and Anders Lindblad, President of Ericsson Region Middle East, at a ceremony held at the GSMA Mobile World Congress taking place in Barcelona, Spain. In signing Ericsson for the event, Ooredoo has engaged one of the world's leaders in communications technology – 40 percent of the world's mobile traffic goes through Ericsson networks – demonstrating the incredible potential for innovation and technological development that will be released through the conference. Ooredoo is showcasing a host of “Smart City” and “Connected Lifestyle” innovations during the GSMA Mobile World Congress this year, and aims to engage a number of leading partners like Ericsson in Qatar to support its efforts to make Qatar one of the world's best-connected nations. Many of these partners will discuss their plans at the ITU Conference later in the year. Sheikh Abdullah said: “We are proud to sign this agreement with Ericsson, one of the world leaders in communication technology, which will add significant value to this high profile event. We aim to make the ITU Telecom World Conference in Doha one of the best in the event's long history, and we are bringing our leading partners to Qatar for the event.” Lindblad said: “We are in the midst of an industry transformation, and where we are at the moment is just the beginning. As we transition towards the Networked Society, when everything that benefits from a connection will be connected, new opportunities are opening up for communication in terms of innovation and productivity. — SG
