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Virgin Mobile strengthening its standing in ME

Virgin Mobile has steadily been establishing its footprint in the Middle East, with its most recent success an acquisition – as part of a consortium – of an international voice telephony licence in Oman....

Virgin Mobile has steadily been establishing its footprint in the Middle East, with its most recent success an acquisition – as part of a consortium – of an international voice telephony licence in Oman.

The 15-year licence has been procured by Connect Arabia International, which is backed by Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa (VMMEA). Under the terms of the licence, Connect Arabia International must make an IPO on 40% of its shares.

Currently, VMMEA has a 9% market share in Oman as an MVNO, and its position will be strengthened by the ability to terminate its own voice traffic.

Oman is not the only Middle East market where Virgin Mobile operates – it received a Saudi Arabian MVNO licence in June, and will begin offering services via STC’s network. VMMEA also has operations in Jordan, and following a $50 million investment from the Gulf Investment Corporation in march it is certain to expand further in the region.



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