Noor Advanced Technologies has reassured Egyptian Internet users that it still plans to offer free access to the Web, the Middle East Weekly reported.
Noor's managing director Hussam Ragheb was quoted by the weekly as saying that "we are pressing ahead with our plans to provide free Internet access," denying rumors that the company had cancelled its plans for free Internet access.
"We are not leaving the Egyptian market. The rumors are groundless and they might have been promoted by our competitors," Ragheb added.
Noor has struck a deal with Telecom Egypt to provide free Internet access in exchange for reducing the telephone bill for subscribers to the service by 70 percent of the standard E£1 per hour charge.
"We are still considering our launch date, which will be determined by a number of factors, including Telecom Egypt's readiness. We might launch in July or August, but we haven't decided yet," Ragheb confirmed.
Noor Advanced Technologies was established in February 2000. During Cairo 2001 Telecomp, held on January 15, Noor announced a $100 million investment in the Egyptian market, said the English weekly.
It added that the Noor had also struck a deal with Cisco Systems and NCR Corporation to become the biggest provider of Internet-related services in Egypt and the Middle East – Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
