Lebanon
On June 1, 2004, Zain Group (formerly MTC) was given authorisation by the Lebanese government to manage and operate one of the country’s two existing mobile telecommunications networks (Mic2) for 4 years. Branded as mtc touch, as at September 30, 2009, the customers served stood at 1.273 million representing a 56% market share.
The biggest challenge at the outset was to maintain service continuity. The transition phase went smoothly thanks to the hard work of the new team and the cooperation of the Ministry of Telecommunications. mtc touch recently launched the Intelligent Network (IN) - a technologically advanced concept that provides customers with a host of new services. 
Phase one of the project was completed following the transfer of over 200,000 “Magic Orange” prepaid subscribers to the newly deployed system. These subscribers are already feeling the benefits of the new system which is easier to use, flexible and more transparent. It also offers an added value in terms of features while maintaining the same price.
Phase one of the project was completed following the transfer of over 200,000 “Magic Orange” prepaid subscribers to the newly deployed system. These subscribers are already feeling the benefits of the new system which is easier to use, flexible and more transparent. It also offers an added value in terms of features while maintaining the same price. In collaboration with the Lebanese Ministry of Telecommunications, mtc touch plans to enhance its network capacity and continue to provide customers with cutting edge products and services. Planned is to add more lines to the network within the next 36 months, improve quality and choice of services, and introduce cost effective pricing. Finally, mtc touch will focus all its efforts to improve the technology, and to offer a greater variety of services, including different cost structures.
Zain is committed towards the local workforce, and 100 per cent of mtc touch employees are highly qualified Lebanese which are known to be very service-oriented, flexible, and multi-lingual and considered to be the main asset of Lebanon. Zain believes that the Lebanese market is one of the most promising in the region due to the low level of mobile penetration, which currently stands at approximately 25 per cent.
The 4-year contract allows the Group to gain the fullest possible knowledge of the business. This puts Zain in the best possible position if the Lebanese Government decides to privatise the assets after the management contract expires.
Fact box (as at September 30, 2009)
Operation start date: June 1, 2004
Active Customers: 1.273
Number of roaming agreements 2G and 3G: 223 Roaming Partners in 111 Countries (all 2G).
Staff number: 395
Market share: : 56 %
Coverage area: 98.55%
Milestones & awards:
- 2004 awarded management contract by Lebanese Government, commenced June 1, 2004
- mtc touch awarded the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Certification
- mtc touch CTO Rula Abu Daher wins 2007 Middle East ICT Woman of the Year Award
For more information visit: www.mtctouch.com.lb
