Zain inks Windows smartphone deal

Zain Group has entered into an agreement with Microsoft Middle East and Africa to bring Windows Phone devices to the Middle East and North Africa, Telecom Paper reports.

Microsoft`s rollout of Windows Phone software later this year will target businesses and consumers across Zain`s mobile operations in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and South Sudan.

It is envisaged that the partnership will foster the development of an applications ecosystem within Zain`s mobile network, facilitating developers to create and publish applications for the marketplace, Arab News states.

Gustavo Fuchs, Microsoft Mobility director, Middle East and Africa, says: “Smartphone growth is fuelling the worldwide mobile phone market and Windows Phone is poised to lead this trend. In fact, IDC recently projected that Windows Phone will have the second-largest share of the smartphone market by 2015.”

Zain is set to expand its presence in North Africa, after taking a 31% stake in Wana, Morocco`s third mobile operator, for $324 million, MenaFN.com says.

The telco is already active in Ghana, where it deployed Africa`s first 3.5G network in December.