Nevertheless, 2004 has been marked in Jordan with significant challenges in the telecommunications sector, due to the ending of Jordan Telecom’s exclusivity in the market and the ushering of an era of market liberalization, being in itself an important part of opening and growing new markets.

Our strategy for the future, supported innovation, lowered costs of service packages and facilities for advanced solutions, and compromised our international calling rates to globally, not regionally, competitive levels. We strongly believe this shall harness our operation further as well as increase direct foreign investment in Jordan.

People tend to forget when looking at liberalization, that operators have a great deal to gain. We have, however, prepared well for the challenges this phase poses, from as early as the year 2000. We have been following an all round, precise, time bound, and clear plan to surf peacefully towards calm shores.

First and foremost, and notwithstanding the significance of a state- of-the-art infrastructure, people are our main asset, whether they are our customers, or our employees. To serve our customers best, we had to focus on our manpower. In 2004 we adopted modern up-to-date human resource methodologies and vigorously applied them. We upgraded the know-how level of our employees and provided training at all levels.

Furthermore, we invigorated an internal communication system to achieve a cohesive and well-knitted HR structure. And to ensure sustenance of our achievements we rewarded our employees well.

We also developed telecommunications into an essential engine for stimulating businesses growth by focusing on new innovative services. Drawing upon the advancement of our Strategic Partner, France Telecom, we rolled out services at world-class level. For example, we introduced -among others- wireless technologies, branded WiFi, IPVPN service (Internet Protocol Virtual Private Networks); promising customers a wide network service area coverage that provides high-speed, secure and economic connection between different branches in organizations.

On another front Jordan Telecom promoted initiatives to drive the penetration of the Internet in Jordan, including a high-speed ADSL line, and most recently the ‘PC @ Every Home’ initiative. Such endeavors represent Jordan Telecom's pledge towards promoting national efforts led by His Majesty King Abdullah II to spread the Internet for the benefit of all Jordanians.

Jordan Telecom continues to support all local communication service providers by equipping them with the most advanced communication solutions, which subsequently allow them to compete on the local, regional, and even international level. We continue to exert efforts towards the creation of a Jordanian knowledge-based society. Our contribution is manifested in supporting the growth of local businesses to reach the standards of providing their customers and users with the highest level of services through the adoption of the finest communication tools, such as the IPVPN technologies.

Our accomplishments that you are about to view in our Annual Report are not a mere reflection of the financial and statistical achievements reached in 2004, but rather a testimonial of Jordan Telecom’s deep commitment to provide its customers with the latest in the telecom services, to keep up with the developments in the world of telecommunications to ensure long term progress and ultimately to stay close and cater for all our customers needs.

With the diligent efforts of our dedicated employees, the support of our kind shareholders, and the confidence and loyalty of our customers, we are ready to embark on our journey into this competitive era and once more look forward to a brighter future for us all.

Laurent Mialet
Vice Chairman-CEO