Ooredoo Group and Brightstar Corp. Sign Strategic Agreement

DOHA, Qatar, Oct. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Ooredoo has announced a new agreement with Brightstar Corp., the world's largest specialised wireless distributor and a leading provider of diversified services, which will see the two companies work together on end-to-end supply chain management across its footprint, bringing the latest and best mobile technology to Ooredoo's markets.

Under the strategic agreement, Brightstar will provide support in a range of areas, including procuring the latest mobile devices, forecasting, channel management and distribution, offering accessories, mobile digital solutions, device insurance and protection solutions.

The agreement will enhance Ooredoo's strategic focus on the mobile sector, particularly as the company looks to expand the range of wearable technology available for customers, and enrich their digital lifestyles.

Smartphone penetration and access to affordable devices are key issues across many of Ooredoo's markets, as the company looks to boost its leadership position as a leading data provider in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia.

Ahmed Al Derbesti, COO of Ooredoo Group, said: "Ooredoo is strengthening our portfolio of services and products in the digital space, and Brightstar's support will bring top quality smart devices, accessories, and other innovative IT products that will engage and delight our customers. With this support, we will be able to increase the level of smartphone penetration in our markets and enhance our data revenue. The partnership will also increase customers' satisfaction levels in Ooredoo shops around the world."

"The Middle East telecom industry is evolving toward an operator-driven model due to the increase of LTE networks and more than 80 percent smartphone penetration. Customers are now looking to operators for complete device solutions with upgrade options every year," said Ela Cubukcu, Brightstar's Regional Managing Director for Turkey, the Middle East, and North Africa. "To meet this demand, programmes like buyback & trade-in, protection, and leasing and financing programs are essential, and Brightstar is eager to leverage our global experience to support Ooredoo with the background logistical support needed to help bring the consumer experience to new levels."

The partnership will begin in Ooredoo's key markets of Qatar and Kuwait with the launch of buyback and trade-in initiatives, device insurance programmes, and enhanced IT devices and accessories procurement. By using Brightstar's services, Ooredoo will be able to offer a wider variety of devices at more affordable prices, supported by a range innovative financing options for customers.

About Ooredoo

Ooredoo is a leading international communications company delivering mobile, fixed, broadband internet and corporate managed services tailored to the needs of consumers and businesses across markets in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia. As a community-focused company, Ooredoo is guided by its vision of enriching people's lives and its belief that it can stimulate human growth by leveraging communications to help people achieve their full potential. Ooredoo has a presence in markets such as Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Algeria, Tunisia, Iraq, Palestine, the Maldives, Myanmar and Indonesia. The company was named "Best Mobile Operator of the Year" at the World Communication Awards 2013.

The company reported revenues of US$ 9.1 billion in 2014 and had a consolidated global customer base of more than 107 million people as of 31 December 2014. Ooredoo's shares are listed on the Qatar Exchange and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.

Twitter: @Ooredoo
Facebook: facebook.com/ooredoogroup
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/ooredoo
YouTube: www.youtube.com/ooredoogroup

About Brightstar

Brightstar, a SoftBank Group Corp. subsidiary, is the world's largest specialised wireless distributor and a leading provider of diversified services focussed on enhancing the performance and results of the key participants in the wireless device value chain: manufacturers, operators and retailers. In 2014, Brightstar reported global net revenues of more than $10 billion and employs about 9,000 people on six continents.

For more information, please visit Brightstar.com.

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