MTC touch launches EDGE technology

mtc touch which is a Zain affiliate, and Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) in collaboration with the Lebanese Ministry of Telecommunications, announced today, the launching of the revolutionary EDGE technology, covering all Lebanon. The announcement came during a joint press conference held at the Movenpick Hotel under the high patronage and the presence of the Minister of Telecommunications Engineer Gebran Bassil.

In fact, Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) - referred to as 2.75 Generation - is a mobile technology using sophisticated coding methods and delivering three times higher bit-rates per radio channel over GPRS. The latter allows a maximized customer experience, enabling mobile users to surf the Internet at will, and enjoy high-speed data applications such as video streaming and other advanced multimedia services.

In this context, mtc touch Chief Technical Officer, Mrs. Roula Abou Daher, said: “ Fast connection has become an imperative of all internet-based usages, whether professional or personal, as it increases productivity and saves on time”. She added:"The EDGE technology that we deployed using Motorola solution, is being exclusively introduced to mtc touch customers, more precisely to those subscribed to GPRS service. This technology will allow our customers as well as visitors to Lebanon roaming on the mtc touch network, to benefit from a full-speed connectivity wherever they are, whenever they want. Actually, a 3G like internet surfing experience with an equivalent speed reaching up to 500 kbits per second, can be achieved using our Optimized Edge solution with the innovative implemented improved compression technique”.

“Motorola is committed to supporting its customers migrate from GSM to technologies such as EDGE as well as LTE (Long Term Evolution) in order to accelerate the delivery of personal media experiences,” said Ali Amer, vice president sales, Middle East, Africa and Pakistan, Motorola Home & Networks Mobility. “Today’s announcement is further evidence of our long-term relationship with Zain and its affiliates, and we’re delighted to be part of the launch in Lebanon with mtc touch as well as the Ministry of Telecommunications.”

Abu Daher continued: "I would like to thank the Ministry of Telecommunications for its full support in providing us with the required investment in a timely manner, which allowed us to cover all Lebanese territories with Optimized EDGE technology".

December 30,2008