As a result of new partnerships with mobile-phone operators, the BBC has expanded its multimedia service for the Arab world.
In the Palestinian territories, mobile-phone operator Al Jawwal adds to a BBC presence that includes FM relays in Gaza, Ramallah and Hebron. The BBC also has a partnership with Radio Bethlehem 2000.
In Oman, subscribers to new BBC Arabic partner Nawras can now receive BBC breaking news alerts on their mobile phones in Arabic and English. BBC Arabic already had an arrangement with Omantel, so this new agreement opens its news alerts to all mobile phone users in the country.
In Jordan, where the BBC has FM relays in Amman and Ajloun, operators Zain and Xpress now carry the BBC Arabic service. The BBC also secured WAP links with the two mobile-phone operators.
“Our ambition is that the BBC Arabic news content is available to mobile-phone users across the Arab world. The partnership agreements in the Palestinian territories, Jordan and Oman bring us closer to this goal,” said Simon Kendall, head of business development for the Africa and Middle East region, BBC World Service.
