MVNO makes MENA first
Friendi Mobile, the Dubai-based MVNO, has launched its first commercial services in Oman. The telco claims to be the first MVNO in the MENA region.
The initial launch product consists of a SIM card containing an introductory promotion of 100 free minutes and 100 free SMS for OR2 (US$5.20).
Friendi secured a mobile licence in Oman in June 2008, a result of the continuing liberalisation of the country's telecoms market. At that time five companies were awarded class 2 licences for reselling mobile services but were not eligible to set up MVNO services. These were Injaz International, Kalam Telecom, Majan Telecom, Mazoon Mobile and Arab Link. Majan subsequently amended its licence and will launch its own MVNO, called Renna, in the next couple of weeks. Oman Mobile and Nawras are the two existing mobile operators in the country.
Both Majan and Friendi Mobile's parent company Friendi Group plan to roll out MVNO services throughout the Middle East.
