Date:29/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/29/stories/2008032956181500.htm

Business

Saudi operator sets up centre

Anand Parthasarathy

BANGALORE: It is not just Indian telecom service providers who bank on local technology and talent to fuel their competitive edge.

The fastest growing GSM operator in the Middle East — Saudi Arabia-based Etihad Etisalat, whose offerings come under the brand name Mobily — has set up a development centre here with a core group of 70 information technology professionals.

Also created is an Indian entity, Mobily Infotech India Pvt Ltd, that at least till 2009, will concentrate on technologies and solutions for the parent company — after which it will explore serving a wider client-base.

Inaugurating the new facility earlier this week, Mobily CEO Khalid Alkaf said the initial foreign investment was around Rs. 20 crore but due for a sharp ramp up as the headcount goes up to 200 by the year end.

Ahmed Al-Oraini, Chief Executive Officer of the India unit, added that the company expected to achieve cost savings of at least 30 per cent by leveraging its India-based talent.