Multi-million dollar deals at MECOM
Region’s premier event for the telecommunications industry provides platform for deals and partnerships from satellites to music downloads
The Middle East Communications exhibition and conference (MECOM) which recently concluded in Abu Dhabi provided a platform for multi-million dollar deals and partnerships, according to the organisers, IIR Middle East.
“Some of the most influential decision makers in the telecommunications industry participated at MECOM. They recognise the fact that the Middle East market is one of the most lucrative in the world in terms of business opportunities and scope for advanced communication systems," said John Hassett, Commercial Director Exhibitions for organisers IIR Middle East.
"A number of multi-million dollar deals and partnerships, have been agreed, the full details of which will no doubt emerge at a later date."
Among the high-level regional and international players taking part in this year’s event was Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) who was seeking partners for its ambitious plans for regionally based satellite service.
The UAE satellite operator owned by Mubadala Development Company of Abu Dhabi is looking for $1.2 billion in funding for its communications systems. The company expects to close the deal by August and is confident the market will respond well due to the robust growth in demand for satellite services throughout the region.
Yahsat A, the first of two satellites, is due to be launched by Europe's Ariane in 2010. Yahsat B will follow six months later. The two satellites will provide coverage for 85 countries in the Middle East, Europe and South-West Asia.
"I think MECOM is very important for the whole telecoms industry," said Jassem Mohammad Al Zaabi, CEO of satellite operator Yahsat. "We are talking to other telecom companies to make sure the satellite system we are building can complement their networks.”
MECOM was endorsed by HE Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, who paid a surprise visit on the final day and praised the participants for presenting the latest technologies.
"MECOM represents a good platform for presenting the latest technology in communications and also an opportunity for people to see what is on offer from the industry," the Minister said.
At the media level, MECOM was also used to stage a number of deals. One was a joint venture announced by the Abu Dhabi Media Company with Arvato Middle East Sales for the launch of a series of digital entertainment services such as music, movies, games and ringtone downloads in English and Arabic under the GETMO brand.
"Content development, aggregation and delivery are an important part of value creation in a changing media world…so much so that it is transcending the media sector and that is part of the reason we are at a show like MECOM where many of the exhibitors are network and telecoms providers," said Ricky Ghai, Executive Director Digital for the Abu Dhabi Media Company.
On the regulatory front, the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority announced during MECOM the launch of a consultation process on the licensing of broadcast mobile TV. A similar service is available through 3G streaming but the new mobile TV services would be provided on technology providing a wider selection of channels and better quality.
The authority's Director General Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim said of MECOM: "This event is considered one of the most important activities in the region and the first of its kind in the city of Abu Dhabi."
UK telecoms company BT said its high level presence at MECOM was an important part of its strategy and commitment to the Middle East market. BT operates in 170 countries and Waed El-Kabbany, Vice President Business Development for Middle East and Africa, said: "We are going where our growth is going and it proves our commitment to the region in which we are operating."
Jeremy Foster, Marketing Director of Ericsson Middle East, said “We used MECOM to showcase Ericsson's latest technologies in communications solutions and software." He added: "We have also experienced high levels of interest in our latest surveillance software.”
Mohammed Dhareef, Team Leader, at the Blackberry EMS Middle East Office, was also upbeat. "MECOM provides us with an ideal opportunity to showcase our latest products and solutions. We have already decided to exhibit next year."
During MECOM, du launched new mobile TV channels 3G phones as well as customized international, Asian and Bollywood music channels. The new telecoms company also launched the Blackberry wireless solution to its mobile customers across the UAE in a distribution deal with Alcatel-Lucent.
Meanwhile, Etisalat announced the launch of new high speed Internet leased lines ranging to one gigabyte per second for business users – providing the fastest access speeds in the region for critical business applications and real time requirements. Etisalat also announced a deal with India's Tata Communications to provide ethernet services in the UAE.
MECOM, was held under the patronage of HH General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
MECOM was officially supported by the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and Dubai Internet City. ICT Industry Partner for the event was Dubai Internet City. Platinum sponsors were etisalat, the UAE Information and Communication Technology Fund and du. Gold sponsors were Ericsson, Blackberry, EMS and the Abu Dhabi Media Company.
MECOM will next take place from 25-27 May 2009. For more information, please visit: www.mecomexpo.com
