The ninth Emirates Data Clearing House (EDCH) annual user group meeting began yesterday (January 7)  in Abu Dhabi with 57 international operators taking part.

EDCH is one of five companies in the world to provide GSM companies and mobile operators with electronic data transfer, in addition to financial clearing and settlement on a global level.

The meeting aims to communicate the objectives of EDCH, the work plan for 2008, and the method of support the clearing house can extend to users by learning about client requirements and providing them with the appropriate services.

An accompanying workshop with the three-day meeting aims to deliberate the latest advancements in the services provided by the clearing house as well as new and upcoming services, in addition to addressing client needs, said an EDCH official.

About 57 clients from around the world will get a taste of the latest in technology and services the clearing house has to offer.

EDCH General Manager Ahmed Al Mehyas said the meeting was part of its commitment to communicate with the clients on the latest services.

"This is done through opening channels for participants to discuss different work aspects and update them on best practices and international standards in the field of financial clearing and data transfer,” he added.

EDCH has a client base of 57 international operators in an advanced and expanding network. Call rates have increased 40 per cent during 2007 at a rate of 2 billion calls and an approximate value of Dh4.25 billion.

EDCH also allows calls (via other networks) while roaming in a matter of seconds as call details are transferred to the local network which in turn allows the subscriber to use the international roaming service, the clearing house then sends call details back to the local network for final bill release.- TradeArabia News Service