Blackberry would remain in service: Zain CEO
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zain Kuwait telecommunication company Khaled Al-Omar stated that Zain will continue its course of development and growth as the level of competition is intensifying, especially in the field telecommunication services.
Al-Omar is keen to stress on his company’s strategic policies and how it pays a great deal of attention to human resources, network development, investment and added services. He is particularly keen to see an independent body which functions as a watchdog to monitor telecommunication service activities, arguing that Kuwait is probably the only exception to the rule as all countries in the world have some kind of controlling body to regulate the activities of such a vital and important service.
In his first interview after being appointed the new CEO of Zain Kuwait, Al-Omar discusses Zain-Iraq which he helped to set up in such critical times, the issue of banning Blackberry mobile devices and his stern rejection to the idea of an international telecommunication company run and managed by the government which he describes as “international services monopoly.”
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) decided to ban Blackberry phones and discontinue it from service. Here in Kuwait similar calls have been made to this effect. How do you assess the situation?
Al-Omar: The situation here in Kuwait is quite different. As far as I know the, telecommunication services in the United Arab Emirates have made it clear that by next October the Blackberry services would be discontinued until a solution which corresponds with the legislative context of the telecommunications sector is found. The justification of its decision is that the country needs to protect its citizens and consumers as well as local rules and regulations. Similarly, as it turned out, the Saudis too notified the local agent to get in touch with the Canadian mother company to sort out the security issues in Blackberry specifications. But here in Kuwait things are different. To start with, the Ministry of Communication has not made any reference to the mobile device in terms of terminating its service in the country. I do not think that the ban would be applicable to Kuwait. It is true that Kuwait had asked Research In Motion (RIM) Company to block more than three thousand Web sites following the Ministry Communication’s recommendations, but I am still optimistic that the device would not be banned. If we all agree that there had been some violations committed, it would not be reasonable to penalize the mobile users but that a security apparatus should be on alert and try to curb any attempt to violate security in the country. For Zain, it would be extremely bad news if Blackberry mobile services are discontinued simply because it has the largest share in the market.
How do you rate Zain locally now there are three telecommunication companies?
Al-Omar: The competition remains healthy as ever. Of course, this is good news for subscribers in the country. There is no doubt that each one of us is trying to reach out and extend a better hand to customers. In Zain, we are coming up with new packages for our customers with emphasis on added value services. Zain customers would be able to track their bills and see breakdown of their calls.
What about the recent government’s announcement that there will be an international telecommunication company?
Al-Omar: We have heard there is intention to set up such a body, but in my opinion such a decision is hardly correct and productive. To begin with, the decision is essentially contrary to the spirit of the privatization policy. Let us not forget that Zain began as a government-owned business then moved on to be run by a private company in an attempt to liberate the telecommunication services from the usual routine and regulations. Now after such remarkable achievement against insufficiency and towards privatization, the government decides to have its own body for international services. It is futile to add that that it would create a monopoly and if it takes place, Kuwait would be virtually moving back to square one. Kuwait unfortunately remains without a watchdog that monitors the activities and services of local telecommunication companies. The service is increasing both in numbers and activities and there is an urgent need to have an independent body which regulates and monitors such business so that any irregularities would be instantly checked. The Ministry of Communication is not really interested in introducing such body because the ministry is only concerned with existing laws which are remotely dealing with any notion related to independent bodies for telecommunications. It true that the main three telecom companies in the country are dealing and cooperating with one another, but the fact remains that an independent body equipped with all the legislative authority is needed to regulate the service, monitor minor business activities and check out any detrimental policies which may harm such a vital and important service.
Saeed Habib – Al Watan
