Agreement will enable roll-out of GSM, WCDMA and LTE solutions

13 March 2011, Shenzhen, China – ZTE Corporation (“ZTE”) (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, completed a comprehensive frame agreement with the Qtel Group, which will see the two companies become strategic partners.

The agreement will make available new network solutions from ZTE, including the latest innovations in WCDMA and LTE technology, across Qtel Group operations in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. A major part of Qtel Group’s revised strategy for tackling the changes affecting the communications sector is to invest in new growth. Frame agreements with major companies like ZTE provide the necessary infrastructure foundations for its pursuit of this goal.

Through the partnership, Qtel Group and ZTE will agree on long-term, sustainable pricing models that will offer significant benefits for customers across the Group’s companies. These include Asiacell, Wataniya Kuwait, Nawras, Tunisiana, Nedjma and Qtel.

Dr. Nasser Marafih, Group CEO, Qtel said: “ZTE has ambitions for global growth, and a delivery and pricing model designed to ensure success. The Qtel Group believes it will derive significant, long-term value from a strategic frame agreement with ZTE. This agreement will deliver world-class technology priced to reflect the realities of a new global economy.”

Executives at Qtel Group are confident that ZTE will play a significant role within the communications company’s dynamic family of tier-one suppliers. These suppliers help build best-in-class networks for Qtel Group’s growing global customer base and are fundamental to the company’s development. 

”The Qtel Group is the fastest growing group in the telecommunications industry, “said ZTE CEO Mr Shi Lirong, “The company is constantly seeking to deliver more choices and value for its customers. Because of ZTE’s focus on competitive and bundled pricing, the company is a strong partner for the Qtel Group. Qtel group will benefit from the partnership through investment in new technologies and businesses, particularly in emerging markets across the Middle East and South Asia.”

Qtel has grown rapidly in recent years, from a one-country operator serving its home nation of Qatar to an international communications company serving more than 660 million people in the Middle East, North Africa, the Asian Subcontinent and South-East Asia.

The Qtel Group is diversified group of companies with a growing service portfolio. The company has signed a number of frame agreements with key vendors, improving cost optimisation throughout the business.