Telecompaper

Wataniya Group announced the launch of the commercial service of Wataniya Mobile across the West Bank. The launch of Wataniya Mobile's network is an achievement for the people of Palestine, the Palestinian Authority, the Qtel Group and the Palestine Investment Fund (PIF). The company which currently employs over 250 professionals will provide more than 2,000 direct and indirect job opportunities for the Palestinians. The distribution network spans across six company-owned service centres in Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jenin, Tulkarem, Nablus and Hebron where customers can select from a variety of prepaid, Kalimate, postpaid, Dahab plans. Speaking during the launch, Quartet Representative Tony Blair said Wataniya Mobile's launch of commercial operations in the West Bank was an important milestone in the building of a prosperous and competitive Palestinian economy. Blair reaffirmed the commitment of the Quartet and the international community to establishing an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian State. Allan Richardson, Wataniya Mobile CEO said "Now You are Talking" is our launch campaign. Both shareholders have invested already USD 140 million in license fees and over USD 100 million in the build-out of the network, with further investments planned over a 10-year period.