San Miguel, Qatar telco in deal to explore RP mobile, internet projects

MANILA, Philippines - Food and beverage giant san Miguel Corp. and Qatar Telecom (Qtel) on Monday formalized their partnership to venture into the wireless broadband and mobile communications projects in the Philippines. In a statement, San Miguel said its senior executives signed a memorandum of understanding with executives of Qtel. The signing was led by Ramon Ang, San Miguel president and chief operating officer, and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Suhain Al-Thani, in Doha,Qtel deputy chairman Qatar. The statement also said that in May 2008 Qtel has acquired listed Liberty Telecoms Holdings Inc., a holding company whose subsidiaries provide wireless voice and data telecommunications services. "The strategic agreement will see the two companies begin exploration in the wireless broadband mobile, and mobile broadband sectors in the Philippines and to review potential areas of cooperation for the extension of access to braodband internet technology in the Philippines," San Miguel said. Ang was recently elected as Liberty Telecoms chairman. "We see huge opportunities for growth and partnership within the Philippines and this meeting provided an important opportunity for Qtel to communicate its ambitions and obligations to the people of the Philippines," said His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Saud Al-Thani, who witnessed the signing along with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and is also the Qtel chairman. - GMANews.TV