RIYADH, 14 February 2006 — Third generation technology viewing each other on mobile phones during the course of the call, identifying a caller’s position using GPRS technology, and watching favorite satellite television channels will be available sometime this year.
Live 3 G and 3.5 technology were displayed at the Saudi Communications 2006, the 11th International Telecommunications Exhibition, which was inaugurated by Dr. Mohammed Al-Suwaiyel, governor of the Communications & Information Technology Commission (CITC) on Sunday at the Riyadh Exhibition Center, yesterday.
STC Vice President Abdul Razack Aboobucker told Arab News that the third generation technology will be available for the Aljawaal customers during the course of this year. “ We have already reached 12 million customers because of our impeccable services to the subscribers,” he said, pointing out that STC has been placed 14th mobile service provider in the world.
Humoud Al-Ghobaini, Mobily’s Officer-in-Charge of Corporate Communication said the 3.5G technology will be introduced in the Kingdom in June this year in the major cities of Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah.
More than 200 companies including 48 Saudi telecommunication firms are taking part in the show which is expected to draw an estimated number of 10,000 trade visitors during the weeklong display.
The exhibition showcases products for communications infrastructure, business communications requirements, mobile communications and network solutions for companies. “Trade visitors and industry professionals can evaluate and secure their needs of the latest telecommunications products and services, “ he said. “It is an exceptional opportunity to inspect the full spectrum of evolving communications technologies from government applications to business professional needs.”
