Wataniya Telecom Maldives

Infobox_Company
company_name = Wataniya Maldives
company_
company_type = Private
company_slogan =
foundation = February, 2005 - a sister company of Wataniya Telecom International
industry = Telecommunications
location = Malé, Maldives (head office)
key_people = Abraham Smith (CEO)
num_employees = 200+ full time
products = GSM
revenue = "N/A"
operating profit = "N/A"
homepage = [http://www.wataniya.mv www.wataniya.mv]

Wataniya Telecom Maldives (also referred to as Wataniya Maldives), a sister company of Wataniya Telecom International, is the second mobile operator in the Maldives. The firm was issued a licence as the new mobile phone operator in February 2005. Wataniya Maldives was selected after a bidding process with three other companies. All the bidders proposed competitive tariffs, but Wataniya Maldives was investing heavily to deliver new services in the fastest possible time thus succeeded the competition. Currently they are providing GSM services throughout Maldives, with other value-added services. Wataniya Telecom Maldives, is also the first to launch a 3.5G HSDPA network in the Maldives, on April 17th 2008, offering video calls and high speed mobile data connectivity.

Registered as a service provider in 1999, Wataniya Telecom International is already a leading mobile phone operator in the Middle East and North Africa. It is proven that Wataniya Telecom is currently serving a total of more than three million customers in Kuwait, Tunisia, Iraq, Algeria and Saudi Arabia respectively.

Wataniya Maldives is the sole competitor of Dhiraagu, the very first Maldivian telecommunications company. Dhiraagu dominated the market for a period of 17 years, being the only operator for that period. Since Wataniya Telecom Maldives has entered the market — commencing a competition — the consumers have gained numerous benefits due to strong competition between these two rivals.

Wataniya quoted on their web site, "Of course, the Maldives proves a unique challenge with its scattered islands and population. But based on the expertise gained from our existing operations, we are confident of delivering a great service across the whole country."

Mission

To provide world class, innovative communication products and services to the people and visitors of the Maldives.

ervice Launch

Their service was officially launched on August 1, 2005. Shortly after launching the service, on August 5, 2005, they organised WOW! - a music show - in Malé. The aim of this show was to promote and publicize the company. This event was widely advertised on local TV and in the capital city. The show was presented by MTV India VJ Nikhil.

External links

* http://www.wataniya.mv/ -- "Official website"