A first for Kuwait: Zain launches ‘Zain Pass’ global Wi-Fi data roaming solution
This follows Group-wide agreement signed with iPass in February 2012; Zain Kuwait customers gain access to over one million premium Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide for smartphone and tablet connectivity
REDWOOD SHORES, Calif., and KUWAIT, September 10, 2012: iPass Inc. (NASDAQ: IPAS), the global Wi-Fi roaming leader for enterprise and telecom service providers, today announced that Zain Group (KSE: Zain), a pioneer of mobile telecommunications in the Middle East and North Africa with over 41 million customers, has launched its first global Wi-Fi data roaming solution based on iPass Open Mobile Exchange (iPass OMX) in its Kuwait operation.
Zain Pass provides Zain mobile customers in Kuwait that have Android or iOS devices with an attractive, reduced-cost, data roaming solution when travelling abroad. By leveraging lower-cost Wi-Fi networks, Zain is able to extend data roaming services beyond 3G and 4G networks to provide affordable data connectivity along with bolstering their indoor coverage capabilities.
“Consumers are increasingly relying on their smartphone and tablet devices to perform essential functions, and require uninterrupted access to connectivity both while at home and while travelling,” said Hisham Akbar, Zain Group Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer. “Zain Pass is a major accomplishment in breaking down the barriers of affordable global connectivity and access to Complimentary Data Services, allowing customers to make use of their Apple iOS and Android mobile devices as frequently as they do at home no matter where they may be in the world.”
Zain Kuwait is the first Zain Group property to launch Zain Pass in the region, with other operational companies set to follow suit in due course.
Zain Kuwait CEO Omar Al Omar welcomed the new service and said: “In our continued efforts to provide innovative services to our valued corporate customers we offer this new service to provide them with the flexibility and freedom to stay connected at discounted rates while traveling, allowing them to conduct business as usual at discounted rates and helping to control their bills.”
“The Zain Group has strongly differentiated itself as the premier choice for sophisticated mobile data connectivity with the introduction of Zain Pass,” said Steve Livingston, iPass senior vice president of carrier development. “Not only is Zain Group adding significant value to its core cellular-based offerings, but it is also capturing new market opportunities by expanding its service portfolio to capture Wi-Fi connected devices and driving customer acquisition and retention through ‘sticky’ service bundles where multiple devices and multiple networks are amalgamated into a powerful consumer proposition.”
Zain Pass, based on iPass OMX, is available on the iTunes App Store and Google Play. It leverages the iPass Mobile Network, providing access to over one million premium Wi-Fi hotspot venues in 111 countries and territories. For more information please visit: http:/solutions
About Zain
Zain is a leading telecommunications operator across the Middle East and North Africa providing mobile voice and data services to over 415 million” active customers as of 30 June, 2012. With a commercial presence in 8 countries, Zain operates in the following countries: Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and South Sudan. In Lebanon, the company manages ‘touch’ on behalf of the government. In Morocco, Zain has a 15.5% stake in Wana Telecom, now branded ‘INWI’, through a joint venture. Zain is listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (stock ticker: ZAIN). For more, please email info@zain.com or visit:
www.zain.com
About iPass Inc.
iPass helps enterprises and telecom service providers ensure their employees and subscribers stay well connected. Founded in 1996, iPass (NASDAQ: IPAS) delivers the world’s largest commercial-grade Wi-Fi network and trusted connectivity platform. With more than one million Wi-Fi hotspots across 111 countries and territories, iPass gives its customers always-on, frictionless connectivity anywhere in the world – simply, securely and cost-effectively. Additional information is available at www.iPass.com or on Smarter Connections, the iPass blog.