KUWAIT: Ooredoo Kuwait sent a high-level delegation to attend the GSM Association's Mobile 360 Middle East conference in Dubai last week. Ooredoo Kuwait is part of the international Ooredoo Group, which was the platinum sponsor of the conference.

Ooredoo's delegation met global players in the information and telecommunications sector, including Chinese networking giant Huawei, with the aim of identifying new technologies and offers to bring to Kuwait.

Hani El-Kukhun, chief operating officer at Ooredoo Kuwait said: "Market penetration in Kuwait is at an all-time high, so the key here is how we can offer greater value - especially in data services and content. In this, the challenge is whether to join the OTTs or fight them. Our strategy is to embrace them fully."

Ooredoo Kuwait recently began providing its domestic customers with free mobile data when using apps like WhatsApp and Skype on its pre-paid Xpress SIM packages - and most recently with its new iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus plans. This is helping Ooredoo Kuwait win new subscribers and encouraging them to use more of its services.

High-speed network

Ooredoo Kuwait has the most modern data infrastructure in the country which provides adds to the customer experience and creates a clear differentiation.

"With our high-speed LTE network infrastructure, we're able to demonstrate a clear difference in the data network which is one of the major demands of customers," said Kukhun. "Typically they evaluate your data offers and connectivity before they look at call packages as people spend more time using data than making calls."

The GSMA Mobile 360 Series are one- to two-day conferences held around the globe, with a specific focus on regional issues or current industry topics. Senior executives in mobile and adjacent industries, as well as members in regulatory and government agencies have the opportunity to learn and discuss industry developments and network with peers specifically related to their region of the world.