ALKHOBAR, 22 April 2004 — Users of the Kingdom’s Al-Jawal network woke up on Wednesday ready to “welcome a new ‘0’” to their mobile phones, but in some instances the new zero wasn’t functional. The problem was particularly noticeable in Jeddah and international callers reported difficulty as well. Despite being informed otherwise, Al-Jawal service representatives contacted through 902 asserted that the new zero was working well and that there were no disturbances in the network. However, one representative did mention that if subscribers waited another four to five hours, until at least 7 p.m., they might discover that any anomalies with the new zero service had disappeared.
Unfortunately, those individuals in Jeddah who had proactively reprogrammed their telephones to dial the new zero, were forced to reprogram them once again to omit the zero. The dialing disaster arose as a result of Saudi Telecom’s decision that as of April 21 a “0” must be added after the Al-Jawal mobile number prefix “05” to dial any mobile number in Saudi Arabia. For example, from now on to call a mobile telephone number from inside the Kingdom, add a “0” after “05” (050 xxx xxxx). Those calling from outside Saudi Arabia, add a “0” after “5” (+96650 xxx xxxx).
Saudi Telecom Communications & Marketing Support General Manager Saad ibn Thafir Al-Qahtani has requested that all Family Jawal subscribers visit STC Customer Services Centers to reprogram the stored numbers in the telephone SIM card due to the addition of the new zero to their mobile numbers. The new numbers will be programmed in new SIM cards with a greater capacity and advanced features that enhance the usage of added services. The new SIM card is being offered free and subscribers can add or delete any programmed numbers in their Family Jawal without any additional charges.
While Family Jawal subscribers have three months to change the SIM card, Al-Qahtani requested that users come to the service centers as soon as possible, to avoid a long wait during the inevitable last-minute rush. The total number of Family Jawal subscribers in the Kingdom is approximately 90,000.
Al-Jawal subscribers must make the following changes due to the addition of the new zero to Saudi mobile telephone numbers:
• Reprogram all the stored mobile numbers in your mobile telephone.
• Reprogram the stored mobile numbers in your fixed line including speed dial.
• Change all the mobile numbers in address books and databases wherever they are stored.
• Change any recorded messages in answering machines or voice mail that give out your mobile number.
• Inform your family, friends and contacts outside Saudi Arabia.
Businesses must make the following additional changes:
• Modify call routing equipment and equipment that bars calls.
• Change fire and security alarm systems, including emergency phones in elevators, if any of these automatically dial a mobile telephone number when activated.
• Change business cards, letterheads, brochures and any other stationery that shows a mobile telephone number.
• Change virtual cards or personal signatures attached to e-mails that provide contact information.
• Update emergency and hazard control instructions and documentation.
• Update the Contacts section on a corporate website.
STC would also like its subscribers to note that it has added the Passports Department emergency number, 992, to the other emergency numbers as part of the company’s efforts to cooperate with the security authorities in case of emergency. STC hopes that by adding 992 to the other free numbers, it will encourage citizens to inform on those who violate residence regulations in the Kingdom.
