In what it claims is a first for a Kuwaiti mobile operator, Wataniya Telecom is launching a new free-to-air (FTA) satellite TV channel for the month of Ramadan.

Programming for the Wantaniya channel will comprise seven popular Arabic TV series - Al-Jileeb, Al Forsa Al Thaniya, Sahir Al Layali2, Al Samaa’ Al Thaniya, Al Hob La Yakfi Ahyanan, Daleila wal Zabaq and Kayd Al-Nisaa’ – as well as a ten minute daily religious show that will air before the Maghrib prayers.

“We strive to understand our customers’ expectations and then we create products, services and campaigns that will fulfill these expectations,” said Scott Gegenheimer, general manager and chief executive officer of Wataniya Telecom. “We want to show our appreciation by constantly rewarding the loyalty and support of our customers with engaging experiences that go beyond the usual.

“We are proud of this ground-breaking initiative and we hope that our customers appreciate and enjoy watching the exciting shows we have lined up for them.”

Wataniya Telecom was the first privately owned operator in Kuwait when launched in 2004. In 2007, Qatar Telecom (Qtel) acquired a 51% controlling stake in the company. As well as Kuwait, where it claims to have a mobile penetration rate of over 80%, Wataniya now has mobile operations in the Maldives, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Algeria and Palestine.

Test transmissions of Wataniya TV commence on 1 July on Nilesat frequency 10795, horizontal 27500, with the official launch of the channel on the first day of Ramadan.













Rebecca Hawkes | 01-07-2011