i-conX Solutions solidified its position as the fastest growing interconnect solutions specialist by winning two major international contracts
The Dublin-based technology company signed deals with Palestine’s incumbent operator, Paltel, and growing Iraqi mobile operator, Newroz, in the presence of its Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister), Mary Coughlan T.D, during the recent Irish Government trade mission to the United Arab Emirates (24-27 November 2008).
Joined by senior representatives from Paltel and Newroz, i-conX took part in the program to promote Ireland’s ICT expertise to this important emerging market, which already generates €290m in Irish exports.
“As an export-led business we are actively seeking new opportunities abroad and trade missions are an integral part of our business strategy,” said i-conX President & CEO, Martin Browne. “With an increasing presence across the UAE, and one of our biggest customers, du, being based in Dubai we have already achieved a strong foothold in the region but saw this as a further opportunity to cement relationships and highlight our international expertise.
“Our commitment to deliver the i-conX solution in countries such as Palestine and Iraq is a clear sign of our particular success in emerging markets. The project experience we have gained in other newly liberalized markets is proving invaluable to incumbents, like Paltel, that are moving into new and more complex interconnect regimes.”
The contract with Paltel provides the Palestinian incumbent with a cohesive interconnect billing solution for both Paltel’s fixed line operations and those of its sister company, Jawwal Mobile. In addition, i-conX will provide full least cost routing functionality, allowing both Paltel and Jawwal to improve margins by intelligently managing international call routing possibilities. The Dublin team has already commenced on-site deployment in Palestine and the project will be phased over 12 months with pre, during and post-installation support as required.
“This is the first time an interconnect agreement has been put into place in Palestine. As well as allowing us to formalize relationships with our telecom partners it will protect against lost revenue and enable us to achieve more accurate, on-time settlements,” said Paltel’s general manager, Mr. Mohannad Heajawi.
“Furthermore, with least cost routing functionality, the i-conX solution will supply our team with the technicality to optimize interconnect traffic, delivering enhanced cost controls at a management level. By offering greater transparency, this additional feature will also help to strengthen ties with existing partners, as well as open up new business opportunities as we work towards installing an improved variety of services for our valued end users.”
i-conX’s five-year contract with Newroz also signifies an important milestone for the interconnect specialist, as it strives to expand its global presence. Negotiations with Newroz clinched the company its first customer in Iraq, which is viewed as one of the world’s fastest growing and most dynamic emerging markets. Based in Iraqi Kurdistan – where the majority of the country’s telcos are located – this area is quickly developing into an ICT hotspot and offers a stable business infrastructure for foreign investment.
Newroz, which shares the same name as a locally celebrated spring festival and literally translates from Kurdish as ‘new day,’ approached i-conX to take on its interconnect requirements, impressed by its unique provision of on-the-ground support.
“We sought a technology partner that could not only resolve our business issues but could also demonstrate an acute understanding of working within a politically charged environment,” said Jihad Ibhaiss, interconnect director at Newroz Telecom. “The i-conX team have quickly established themselves as knowledgeable interconnect consultants and have shown immense flexibility even before deployment has commenced.
“It was a privilege to take part in the trade mission with i-conX. As well as presenting a highly appropriate platform from which to finalize our agreement, it was also a fantastic opportunity to network with other global operators facing similar challenges.”
Organized by Enterprise Ireland, the four day mission was attended by 88 Irish firms across the ICT; construction and utilities; and e-learning and e-government sectors. The aim was to strengthen economic links between Ireland and the UAE and encourage long-term opportunities across the region.
For more details on i-conX’s involvement, please visit their website: http://www.iconxsolutions.com
For more information on participants, please visit: http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/UAE/
About i-conX Solutions
Based in Dublin, Ireland, i-conX Solutions provides expert interconnect services to the telecommunications industry.
Founded in 2001, the company established itself as a key player in the interconnect billing market offering licensed/installed packages as well as partial and fully outsourced options, tailored to customer requirements. With annual turnover standing at €2.2million, i-conX’s international success has been instrumental in achieving a sustained 40 per cent year-on-year growth with its global customer base including high profile carriers ntl, Cable & Wireless, 118.com, du, Smart Telecom, MagtiCom, Base, Paltel, and Newroz. In recent times i-conX has enjoyed particular success in emerging markets across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, as a result of its flexible approach to cultural restraints and comprehensive on-the-ground support.
With CEO Martin Browne, its unique positioning as a company entirely dedicated to interconnect issues has seen i-conX become an expert source for independent business advice, as well as a trusted service provider. Its 25-strong team offers hundreds of years combined experience and the board boasts some of the industry’s most knowledgeable and respected interconnect specialists.
For more information, please visit their website: http://www.iconxsolutions.com
About Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland is the government agency responsible for the development and promotion of the indigenous business sector. Its mission is to accelerate the development of world-class Irish companies to achieve strong positions in global markets, resulting in increased national and regional prosperity.
Through its extensive network of Irish and international offices, it works with clients to assist them compete and to grow.
Its key focus for Irish companies is to support them in achieving export sales; investing in research and innovation; competing through productivity; starting and scaling up; and driving regional enterprise. The organization also provides assistance for international companies who are searching for world-class Irish suppliers.
About Paltel Group
Paltel is an integrated economic group consisting of the Palestine Telecommunications Company (PalTel); the Palestine Cellular Communications Company, (Jawwal); HADARA – a technology and internet company; Hulul – a business solutions company specializing in catering for enterprises and their growing need for integrated IT Solutions; and PALMEDIA – a multi media service provider helping the group to tie telecommunications in to the creation of content for various marketing tools and mediums. These companies combined activities make an approximate 12% contribution to Palestine’s GDP.
For more information, please visit their website: http://www.patltelgroup.ps