Zain closes in on Vodafone deal

Published on 27/08/2012 00:00

Kuwait-based telecoms operator Zain confirmed yesterday that it was close to sealing a deal with Vodafone that would allow the global telco access to its Middle East networks.

The agreement is understood to cover several countries in the region including Bahrain, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, allowing Vodafone to offer its customers from other countries lower roaming fees when travelling in the region.

Vodafone, the world’s biggest mobile phone operator by sales, has been seeking new agreements with local operators to spread its coverage while avoiding expensive buyouts or heavy investments.