Batelco's Umniah launches WiMAX in Jordan
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Umniah Mobile Communications (UMC), the 96%-owned subsidiary of Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco) has launched wireless broadband access services over a WiMAX-based platform. Services are being marketed under the UMAX brand name and Umniah is the first operator in Jordan to launch such an offering. The company claims that UMAX services initially cover more than 30% of the capital, Amman. In subsequent phases of the roll-out programme all other governorates will receive coverage. According to Jordan's Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, which has authorised Umniah's commercialisation of the service, the operator partnered with Intel, HP, Airspan Networks, and the Housing Bank for Trade and Finance. Umniah and the ministry claim that the launch of the UMAX service reflects the level of maturity that the ICT sector has reached in Jordan, following progressive liberalisation of the country's telecommunications sector. 'UMAX services will take Internet services in Jordan to a higher level and contribute to the efforts of transforming Jordan into a high-tech hub and bridge the technical divide', said Joseph Hanania, CEO of Umniah.