Vodafone Qatar Awards IT Contract to Subsidiary of its Local Partner

Qatar based IT services firm, Mezza has announced the start of business with a QR125 million (US$34.4 million) agreement with Vodafone Qatar to provide an end-to-end turn key infrastructure solution to support Vodafone QatarÃ's core telecommunications and network operations.

Mezza which means "advantage" in Arabic is a new privately-held joint venture which is part owned by the Qatar Foundation - the Vodafone joint venture which was recently awarded a mobile license in the country. Earlier this year Vodafone and Qatar Foundation Consortium was granted the country's second mobile operator license for a payment of US$2.12 billion. Mobile service under that license is expected to be launched on or before 1st March 2009, and the second Fixed Telecom License was granted last month with services being launched in 2009.

Mr Rashid Al-Naimi, Chairman of the Mezza Board of Directors stated "We at Mezza are thrilled to be announcing this major agreement with Vodafone on our first day of operations. This is an example of how Mezza will deliver IT Services and Solutions to enable the success of our clients and, thereby, contribute to the continued growth and development of the State of Qatar."

Scott E. MacKenzie, CEO of Mezza, said "This is a truly defining moment for Mezza, its partners, clients, and for the IT sector in the region. MezzaÃ's offerings enable businesses to be more effective as they gain access to world class services delivered through proven best practices. Our IT capabilities ensure our clients can realise true advantage from IT".

"Our investments in cutting edge technology, Data Centres, strategic alliances and skilled IT personnel uniquely positions Mezza in the region. We are committed to add value to our clients businesses and support their growth, through our service excellence, world class IT assets and the best people skills," commented Hamad Al Mannai, Mezza Deputy CEO.

Posted to the site on 28th November 2008