A new beginning: Zain In Iraq
January 6, 2008
Zain in Iraq (www.iq.zain.com) is born out of the two most successful mobile operations in Iraq, namely MTC Atheer and Iraqna who have been providing a wide range of mobile telephony and data services since early December 2003.
Together under one brand-Zain, the 7.935 million customers (as at June 30, 2008) they serve will benefit from being part of the Zain global family of 50.74 million mobile customers spread across the Middle East and Africa.
Together they will be stronger in offering better mobile service to the people of Iraq at affordable prices.
Together they will contribute more to the economic prosperity of Iraq creating more employment opportunities and business opportunities to Iraqi citizens.
A brief history
MTC Atheer becomes Zain
In December 2003, Zain (then known as MTC Atheer) was licensed to install and operate a GSM network in the Southern region of Iraq. On August 17, 2007 the company was successful in attaining a 15 year nationwide licence.
In its first two years of operation, the company succeeded in executing its initial objectives despite the security situation in Iraq and ever since has expanded to be Iraq’s leading mobile operator.
The operation offers the highest standard of services and the most technologically advanced products in Iraq.
The number of active customers stands at more than 4 million, and the network is equipped to offer a full GPRS capabilities. Heavy investment in the future of Iraq extends to microwave links covering spans of over 8,000 kms. It has the widest reaching mobile telecommunications network in the country. Recently the operation expanded its services to northern governate of Kirkuk in northern Iraq.
Zain has succeeded in supporting various industry sectors, including engineering, sales, commerce and expects to double these investments as it expands coverage.
As well as voice telephony services, the company offers customers SMS, MMS, international calls, roaming services and recently introduce GPRS and Voicemail. A strong network of authorised distributors and retailers has been put together to support the distribution of its pre-paid service.
One of Zain’s objectives is to support the local community, offering employment and creating business opportunities. More than 1500 Iraqis are employed between Basra and Baghdad.
The company also sponsors the National Football league, and aims to support various Iraqi cultural organisations such as the Iraqi National Orchestra as well being very active in supporting NGOs and health organizations, spending millions over the past years.
Iraqna becomes Zain
Zain (formerly Iraqna) launched operations in Iraq in December 2003, then with an exclusive license to provide mobile telephony services in Iraq’s central region. Despite tough market conditions, the scope was extended to cover other areas in Iraq where at December 1, 2007 it covered 99% of the central region of Iraq and approximately 90% of the southern region spanning some 7000 kms.
The operation provides a range of quality prepaid and postpaid voice, data and multimedia telecommunications services, serving more than 3 million customers.
The operations experienced, energetic and “young at heart“ staff helped it to come up with innovations, think outside the box, and made plans to accelerate the strong sales performance; citing the need to capitalize on the current market opportunities.
A strong supporter of the community it serves and human aid, the operation founded the Kadhum El Saher Charity. Through such, it supports orphanages with basic equipment, donated funds to the Martyr of Al Aema Bridge, holds social festival with the cooperation of the Hunting Club, distributes foodstuff to poorer families in Baghdad, provides sewing machines to the homes of widows; as well as numerous blood donation campaigns.
Additionally it has sponsored various sporting activities ranging from soccer and basketball teams, supported various universities through scientific agreements, computer equipment, establishing courses in technology and high technology studies
One of the most significant factors behind its success was investing in human resources through recruiting young people and starting long term training programs for staff to cover different specialties. Management is driven by strong belief in meeting high customer standards through skilled and motivated personnel.
Quick Facts
January 5, 2008: MTC Atheer and Iraqna become known as Zain
Active customers (June 30, 2008): 7.935 million
staff numbers: 3,000
market share : 70%
Roaming agreements: over 300 operators in more than 130 countries
milestones
- attained a 15 year nationwide licence in August 2007
- market leader with over 7.935 million active customer
- Offering the best services at reasonable rates
- 70% market share
- Commitment to supporting communities, offering employment and creating business opportunities
- Widest network in country
- Part of the 50.74 million worldwide Zain mobile community
For more information or to contact Zain in Iraq, please email: info@iq.zain.com