Motorola will supply infrastructure and a comprehensive services package that will enable cost-effective, compelling wireless broadband services for wi-tribe’s customers.
wi-tribe Pakistan limited is a joint venture between Qatar Telecom (Qtel) and Saudi Arabia’s A.A. Turki Group of Companies (ATCO). wi-tribe aims to deliver instant wireless broadband connectivity from North Africa across the Middle East and up to Asia (AMESA region).
“WiMAX is changing the way people are connecting and is opening doors to a new world of opportunities,” said Mohammad Sadiq, CEO of wi-tribe Pakistan limited. “We will be offering high-speed Internet that is simple, affordable, and a portable alternative to fixed broadband. The Motorola WiMAX solution frees customers from the fixed line services.”

Ali Amer, vice president sales, Middle East, Africa and Pakistan, Motorola Home & Networks Mobility, said:  “WiMAX will become a driving force in Pakistan. This is why Motorola stands at the forefront of such an important industry standard that enables progressive service providers such as wi-tribe to launch high-speed, rich, yet affordable communications services.”

Motorola will begin deploying wi-tribe’s WiMAX network this month in the 3.5GHz spectrum. Commercial launch is expected during 2009. Motorola will supply award-winning equipment from its WiMAX portfolio including the WAP 400 WiMAX access point, which features diversity MIMO antenna capabilities to enable strong indoor penetration.

For more information about Motorola WiMAX solutions, please visit: http://www.motorola.com/wimax

wi-tribe is expected to revolutionise broadband connectivity by freeing internet users from fixed line connections, and providing high-speed personal broadband connections. Utilising the latest WiMAX technology, wi-tribe will provide broadband Internet access through a portable wireless modem that simply plugs into the customer’s computer. While Jordan is the first market to go live with the new services, more markets are to follow as The Qtel Group continues to establish WiMAX networks throughout the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

“Today, we have reached an important milestone in the evolution of The Qtel Group. Our vision for bringing broadband wireless access to more people, connecting people and business more easily, is coming to fruition,” said Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al-Thani, Chairman of The Qtel Group. “The launch of our first services in Jordan is just the beginning. As The Qtel Group continues to expand, we will continue to leverage our strengths to deliver important technologies to new markets, and enhanced services across all operations. As always, our customers are our focus and it is this passion that lies squarely behind wi-tribe.”

wi-tribe was founded by two shareholders, Qtel (Q.S.C.), and A.A. Turki Corporate Trading and Construction (ATCO), one of the leading companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and enjoys a strong partnership with Clearwire, one of the world’s leading wireless broadband service providers. Wi-tribe intends to leverage The Qtel Group’s regional operating experience and multinational footprint, ATCO’s network of investors and deal makers, and Clearwire’s broadband wireless experience to rapidly capture WiMAX spectrum. The brand is focused on delivering excellent network quality and services in targeted areas, mainly for residential, small office/home office customers, and developing a strong platform for distribution of broadband content.

The phenomenal growth in both Internet and Broadband penetration globally has been accompanied by a steady decline in broadband Internet adoption, mainly due to infrastructure constraints, leaving emerging markets without adequate coverage to meet consumer demand. Broadband wireless services are expected to overcome these hurdles, offering significant growth potential and enhanced opportunities for business.

The Qtel Group’s expanding geographical footprint has taken it into 16 markets in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia to date. In line with its vision to be among the world’s top 20 telecommunications companies by the year 2020, The Qtel Group is continuing to expand into high potential markets where there is a need for important technology like WiMAX to spur growth and enhance opportunities for business.

“wi-tribe is an important development in the ongoing growth of the Qtel Group. While we already provide a broad spectrum of advanced broadband wireless services to consumers and businesses in Qatar, we are committed to improving access to internet broadband regionally and in emerging markets,” said Dr. Nasser Marafih, CEO of Qtel and its newly-formed management services company, Qtel International. “Historically, The Qtel Group is known for its customer focus and commitment to bringing innovation to telecommunications. Consumer broadband is a major pillar of growth for Qtel to achieve its vision of becoming one of the top 20 operators in the world by 2020. With wi-tribe, we are able to deliver an important technology for the medium to long-term that will serve the needs of broadband customers.”

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al Turki, Chairman of ATCO, said: “This is an historic occasion for wi-tribe, bringing what we believe is an extremely welcome and competitive product to new markets. We look forward to breaking new ground for more Internet customers.”

On behalf of wi-tribe’s partner, Clearwire Corporation, company founder Nick Kauser added: “We are delighted to be providing our support to wi-tribe, taking Clearwire’s experience outside its existing markets in Europe and America.”

WiMAX represents the very latest in hassle-free Internet service provider technology. With wi-tribe poised to deliver cost-effective internet access to Jordan, and more planned broadband wireless deployments across The Qtel Group’s footprint that stretches from Algeria to Indonesia, The Qtel Group is being established as an engine of growth and connectivity in the region and internationally.

You will be making wi-tribe something special. And because of that, we want to develop long-term goals and plans with you. We need to grow together building strong and productive relationships inside the company and with our customer base and the wi-tribers who subscribe to the services you help provide.

You’re a role model to the people you work not only for the technical element of getting the job done but also through exemplary interpersonal skills. You’re a leader to our company because while we are a global brand, you help create the company locally. There’s no place like home, and nobody knows your country like you do. Together we are going to make wi-tribe the best service provider in this country.

Ohood Abdel-Aal
Group Head of HR

The all-new international wireless broadband provider is a joint venture between Qatar Telecom (Qtel) and Saudi Arabia’s A.A. Turki Corporate Trading and Construction (ATCO). wi-tribe aims to deliver instant wireless broadband connectivity from North Africa across the Middle East and up to Asia (AMESA region).

With its regional corporate office in the Kingdom of Bahrain, wi-tribe has the license to launch services in both Jordan and Pakistan creating the opportunity for thousands of individuals and businesses to join the World Wide Web.

wi-tribe was conceived to bring people from all walks of life together and create a new interactive online community that lives and breathes internet. Utilising the latest WiMAX technology, wi-tribe will provide broadband internet access through a portable wireless modem that simply plugs into the customer’s computer without the need for a fixed telephone line. WiMAX represents the very latest in hassle-free internet service provider technology taking away the dependency of the traditional telephone line.

Commenting on the launch of wi-tribe, Sheikh Fahd Al Thani, Chairman of wi-tribe and Chief Operating Officer of Qtel, commented on the formal launch: “This is a very proud day for everyone involved with wi-tribe. Historically Qtel is defined by its commitment to its customers and to bringing innovation to telecommunications. Consumer broadband is an important pillar of growth for Qtel to achieve its 20:20 vision of becoming one of the top 20 operators in the world by 2020.

“The main passion of wi-tribe is the care of our customers, who we call wi-tribers. Qtel’s customer care strategy is to provide the best service available and tend to their needs. Welcome to wi-tribe: welcome to your tribe.”

Dr Sami Hinedi, wi-tribe’s Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “wi-tribe is ready to truly revolutionise communications through our core brand values: independence, freedom, individuality, innovation and an obsession with customer satisfaction. Regionally we are currently looking at new opportunities and will announce expansion plans later on.”

“wi-tribe is focused to develop a new and exciting way to work, play, exchange and share on-line. With numerous potential subscribers across a culturally dynamic section of the globe, wi-tribe will constantly develop the best solutions in the market to meet the individual needs of the consumer,” added Dr. Sami.

“We aim to set a new benchmark in customer care. Amongst the international workforce behind wi-tribe the ethos is to always treat others as they would wish to be treated as consumers, with transparency and a strong sense of ethics,” said Dr. Sami.

Speaking on behalf of ATCO, Ziad Al Turki said: “wi-tribe benefits from successful online systems and solutions to ensure the highest quality of product is available. ATCO is proud to be responsible for providing this service for wi-tribe customers and the international community who will populate it.”

Becoming a wi-triber could not be easier. With centralized customer communications and a distribution network in each market, wi-tribers need to subscribe to the service just as they would for a TV package or club membership. Once the package is chosen, the wi-triber will then experience the ‘plug and play’ online community.

What gives you satisfaction? That matters a lot because wi-tribe is aiming to deliver complete satisfaction. Only satisfied people can satisfy others by bringing the positivity and energy that the job – and our customers – demand.

How do you like to be treated? A strong sense of ethics and integrity lie at the heart of our relationships with our customers. They are part of our tribe, our community, our family and we treat them that way. We love our customers because they’re like us - we’re all wi-tribers.

What are you looking for from your career? wi-tribe really is your tribe and our business is empowering people. We conduct our business with a smile. Work is our playground. And we want to turn that playground into a success story for every member of the team.

In addition, Sh. Fahad was appointed as the Acting Executive Director, Consumer Business and managed the Networks (Wireless & Wireline), Consumer Business, Business Solutions, International Services, Customer Services, General Services, BPO and PMO departments. Under his guidance, Qtel Wireless made significant progress in the development and marketing of GSM services in Qatar. The business unit services exceeded 100% market penetration in the market.

Sh. Fahad has a Bachelor of Engineering in Communications from the University of Kent, United Kingdom. He is also the Qtel representative on the Board of Directors for Nawras, Qtel’s subsidiary in Oman.