Umniah 2023: Developing Leadership in Jordan’s Telecommunications Sector Through Qualitative Achievements

In 2023, Umniah experienced an extraordinary year, marking a significant milestone in its journey. The company solidified its leading position in the Jordanian telecommunications and information technology market, showcasing excellence in providing distinctive services to over 3 million subscribers. Consequently, Umniah secured a prestigious share of the Jordanian telecommunications market.

Under the leadership of Faisal Qamhiyah, Umniah has become a key player in Jordan’s digital transformation. The company achieved a notable milestone by being the first to launch 5G services in the country. Additionally, Umniah has invested in the development and improvement of its communication and fiber optic networks, reaffirming its dedication to delivering top-notch services and solutions to its customers.

5G Launch

In May 2023, Umniah officially launched 5G services in the Kingdom, investing approximately $400 million over five years. It became the first telecom operator to commercially introduce this service in Irbid, Zarqa, Amman, and Aqaba.

The launch reflects Umniah’s commitment to leading in innovative telecom services and technologies, aligning with the advantages 5G offers for Jordan’s digital transformation. Beyond speed improvements and lower latency, it holds transformative potential across sectors like healthcare, transportation, education, and entertainment.

By the end of 2023, over 700 5G sites were equipped with 64T64R Massive MIMO technology, efficiently serving numerous subscribers at high speeds and enhancing cellular coverage inside buildings.

Expanding Optical Fiber Network and Developing Fiber Services

Umniah expanded Fiber services into new areas across northern and southern governorates, covering approximately 1.4 million homes and commercial facilities.

Umniah introduced Fiber Plus – Fiber to the Room (FTTR), providing uninterrupted high-speed internet of up to 2000 Mbps per second throughout homes. Achieved through precise Fiber optic extension to each room, Umniah also offers ultra-fast speeds of up to 10,000 Mbps for Fiber subscriptions. The new Fiber router supports ‘Wi-Fi 6’ technology, enhancing efficiency and security.

Launch of VoWi-Fi Service for the First Time in Jordan

Umniah was also the first to announce the launch of its Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWi-Fi) service in the Jordanian market. This service allows subscribers to make and receive local and international calls using any Wi-Fi network, ensuring clear reception in areas with little to no cellular signal, especially in remote areas, high-rise buildings, or lower floors.

Signing of MoU with HTU to Prepare Students for the Job Market

Umniah and Al Hussein Technical University, a Crown Prince Foundation initiative, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at supporting university students in their pursuit of high-quality technical education, preparing them for the job market through a collaborative academic-industry system.

Umniah will provide professional training to HTU students, as well as specialized training for graduates of the Skills Enhancement Program in the IT and Communications field each semester. The goal is to equip students with real-world work experience, enhancing their employability in companies where training is provided.

Empowering Jordanian Employment through Partnership with the National Employment Program ‘Tashgheel’

Umniah announced its collaboration with the National Employment Program, “Tashgheel”. This initiative aims to create job opportunities for Jordanians by hiring individuals after they complete a specified training period within the terms of the program.

Umniah’s Human Capability Development

Umniah remains dedicated to enhancing its employees’ capabilities, spanning from senior to mid-management levels. The CEO handpicked four senior management members to participate in leadership development programs at Harvard Business School or Stanford Business School. The Chief Commercial Officer completed the Harvard Leadership Development Program in 2023, with the remaining three set to finish their programs in 2024. Moreover, in 2023, Umniah nominated three promising employees for a global leadership development program in partnership with the London Business School.

Enhancing Business Sector Services through Solutions and Partnerships

Umniah inaugurated its Security Operations Center (SOC) and Network Operations Center (NOC) at King Hussein Business Park (KHBP). This development follows the integration of Umniah’s SOC and NOC into a single location, aligning with the contemporary global trend of merging cybersecurity operations and managed services. The amalgamation and relocation of these two centers aim to optimize resource allocation, enhance customer data protection, streamline communication, and increase overall efficiency.

Umniah also extended its Connectivity Project partnership with the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Special Communications Commission (SCC) for an additional three years. This project aims to establish the necessary infrastructure for integrating technology into the education process, enhancing efficiency across more than 3,500 schools, 112 directorates, and administrative buildings.

Umniah signed a collaboration agreement with CorporateStack, providing its customers with Cloud ERP solutions. These solutions seamlessly combine a Human Resource Management System (HRMS) for payroll and attendance tracking, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) for efficient sales monitoring, and Asset Management software for handling and preserving company assets.

Umniah signed an MoU with Intella to advance Arabic speech-to-text technology within customer service centers using AI. The objective is to increase communication effectiveness and streamline report preparation. With this MoU, Umniah is now the exclusive telecommunications provider in Jordan offering this advanced technology in its customer service centers.

The company also announced a new strategic partnership with Huawei, intending to develop customized wired and wireless network solutions specifically tailored for the business sector in Jordan.

Similarly, Umniah signed a MoU with Microsoft, collaborating on cloud solutions, artificial intelligence, and peripheral devices tailored for 5G networks. As per the terms, Umniah will promote Microsoft’s cloud solutions, AI-related products, and 5G network devices for the business sector in Jordan.

Corporate Social Responsibility Achievements

Umniah fulfills its social responsibility through the ongoing ‘Forsa’ initiative launched in late 2021. This program involves renovating government school playgrounds and fields, with an investment exceeding one million Jordanian dinars. In 2023, Umniah successfully revitalized these facilities in seven government schools, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 17. The initiative has positively impacted over 11,000 students and 45,000 community members, solidifying its position as one of Umniah’s major corporate social responsibility endeavors supporting education in Jordan.

In response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Umniah initiated support through its UCoin program by opening donation channels for customers. Additionally, the company provided free minutes to all its customers, facilitating connections with family and friends in different cities in Palestine. As a testament to its dedication, Umniah contributed 50,000 Jordanian dinars to the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization, aiding in the provision of essential relief and medical supplies for the humanitarian needs of Gaza Strip residents.

Umniah concluded its community initiatives by proudly receiving the Silver Category award for Buildings for Persons with Disabilities in the 2023 inaugural edition. The award ceremony took place in Al Batrawi, Zarqa. Over the past year, Umniah collaborated closely with HCD to enhance 16 out of its 46 exhibitions. These enhancements encompass the installation of ramps with warning signs, designated wheelchair spaces within exhibitions marked by directional floor signs, specialized communication desks for individuals with disabilities, distinctive symbols on elevators, and ground indicators to assist visually impaired individuals. Furthermore, dedicated parking spaces for people with disabilities have been provided.