Lebara, a global mobile telecoms network operator, is expected to launch its services in Saudi Arabia in the second quarter of 2014 after being officially awarded the licence by the industry regulator.

To launch its brand in the country, Lebara will partner with Mobily (Etihad Etisalat), one of the main mobile network operators in the kingdom.

The Communication and Information Technology Commission (CITC) gave Lebara and Mobily the green light to begin works to launch one of the first Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) service in the kingdom in June 2013.

 Yoganathan Ratheesan, CEO of Lebara Group, said: "We are excited about Lebara's next stage of growth into the Gulf market. Lebara will initially and primarily provide low-cost and high quality mobile communication services to the migrant community and those with loved ones abroad, under its existing trusted brand, a market-leader in key countries across Europe and in Australia. Lebara aims to prosper within and beyond the region to provide more products and services that help customers stay connected to their loved ones all over the globe."

London-based Lebara Group has operations in the UK, Germany, France, Denmark, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Australia. Lebara's vision is to become the brand of choice for 1 billion people around the world by 2020, the company said.

Lebara is continuing to explore additional growth opportunities within the Gulf market with prospective partners, it added. - TradeArabia News Service