Talal Al-Ghazzawi, chairman of Nokia Siemens Networks Al Saudia Ltd., said:

“Creating this joint venture is an important step in our strategy to further grow our business in Saudi Arabia. We bring in the local knowledge and infrastructure while Nokia Siemens Networks brings in their scalability, global delivery model and network services expertise. This is an excellent combination to deliver cost effective services to the local clients and we believe through this joint venture, we will be able to better service Nokia Siemens Networks’ customers who are keen to grow their businesses in the Kingdom.”

Under the terms of the joint venture, NSN Saudi will offer operators four distinct services: Network implementation services including those for fixed, mobile and IP technologies; business solutions services supporting operators in addressing their network operation challenges and improving their performance through consulting integration services; managed services to improve efficiency and operational performance; and care services, providing the best hardware and software maintenance services for optimal network performance.

Jorg Erlemeier, head of Middle East region for Nokia Siemens Networks, said:

“The new joint venture ensures operational efficiency and provides the right platform to provide our clients with world-class services. Although the telephony penetration rate is already one of the highest in the Middle East region, double digit growth in mobile subscriptions is projected for the coming two years.”

Ali Damiri will lead the new venture as the executive director. Nokia Siemens Networks has been present in Saudi Arabia since 1976 and currently employs 650 people, 20 percent of them Saudi. In 2006, it started a training program for Saudi university graduates as part of a knowledge transfer program to help the new generation acquire expertise in the latest telecom technology.