Telecom Lead Middle East: Wataniya Telecom has promoted deputy CEO Abdulaziz Fakhroo as its new CEO.
Fakhroo will replace Bassam Hannoun who has resigned for personal reasons.
The main responsibility of Fakhroo will be to look after the rollout of 4G / LTE networks in H1 2013.
As part of the pilot project, Wataniya’s 4G network is available in 20 locations including shopping malls in Kuwait.
Huawei, the networking partner, will provide Wataniya Telecom with its SingleRAN solution, capable of providing multiple network standards including GSM, HSPA+, and 4G into a single network.
Wataniya Telecom will deploy CME (Civil Mechanical Electric) solution and RRU (Remote Radio Unit) technology in the LTE project. This will enhance the quality of its mobile service offerings to assure the best usage experience as well as lowering its TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) as well.
Wataniya Chairman Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al Thani said:
“We thank Hannoun for his contribution during his tenure. We look
forward to having Abdul-Aziz lead Wataniya Kuwait as it enters an exciting new phase in its development including the launch of 4G services this year.”
Meanwhile, Wataniya Telecom posted KD 75.5 million ($268.5 million) in net profits for 2012, compared with $362.1 million a year earlier. The company’s overall revenues in 2012 have amounted to KD 742.5 million ($2.64 billion), up 2.2 percent over KD 726.6 million ($2.58 billion) in 2011.
