Etisalat chooses Gateway to provide critical satellite cellular services

London / Johannesburg, May 12th, 2009 - Gateway Communications, Africa's leading provider of telecommunications services to mobile operators, has been awarded a contract to provide Etisalat with cellular backhaul for its Nigerian mobile network. The deal, worth $6 million over a two year term, provides satellite cellular backhaul from Gateway Communications to Etisalat which will connect three major cities in Nigeria.

In awarding the contract to Gateway, Etisalat considered qualities such as high quality of service rendered, secure and reliable network services with local, on-the-ground support services available throughout Nigeria, amongst other criteria. Gateway has Nigerian offices in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano and provides technical support throughout the rest of the country. With more than 47 transponders of capacity, Gateway carries more satellite cellular backhaul in Africa than any other operator.

Nigeria is now the largest telecoms market in Africa. The Nigerian regulator reports over 64 million SIMs in operation at the end of January this year, with 23 million new subscribers signing up in 2008. This represents a growth of 55% in 2008. With a relatively low mobile penetration, a large population and a rapidly growing economy forecast to grow at almost 8% again this year, Nigeria is certainly one of the continent's most exciting markets.

Commenting on the business relationship, CEO Etisalat Nigeria, Steven Evans said, "Given the rapid rate of mobile adoption in Nigeria and what this represents in terms of opportunity, Nigeria is undoubtedly a key market for Etisalat. It was therefore key for us to find a partner that understands both the local market requirements as well as the complete technology landscape across Africa. As the most successful supplier of satellite cellular backhaul in Africa, Gateway Communications has expertise in both these areas. We are therefore confident that our desire to roll out our services across Nigeria in the shortest possible time will benefit from this promising business relationship".

Managing Director, Gateway Communications Nigeria, John Dindlebeck, said "Gateway Communications has been working in Nigeria for over 10 years now and has always considered West Africa as an important market. In that time, Gateway has gained a deep understanding of the local market and has created a tremendously strong business across the region. It is great that Etisalat have recognized the high quality of our services here in Nigeria and we look forward to supporting them, building on their success and extending their footprint in this exciting market. As the largest provider of independent satellite services in Africa, we're confident that we have the expertise on the ground as well and the world class technologies to meet Etlisalat's exact requirements."

About Etisalat
Currently standing at the 140th position among Financial Times' top 500 corporations in the world, Etisalat is the largest provider of telecommunication service in Africa and the Middle East and serves a growing aggregate customer base of 74 million subscribers across Africa, Middle East and Asia. Etisalat currently has footprints in 18 countries in three continents across the world.

About Gateway Communications
Gateway Communications own and operate the largest and most advanced pan-African telecommunications network. Our scale, reach and resources are unparalleled. Gateway connects over 583 million people in over 40 African countries, working in partnership with the continent's leading mobile phone operators.

Our business experts are creating prosperity across Africa by working closely with multinational corporations; in banking and finance, oil and gas, mining and construction, retail and distribution, airlines and other important sectors.

With more than 47 transponders of satellite capacity over Africa, Gateway manages more connectivity over the continent than any other operator. And with 24 dedicated teleports, access to multiple SAT-3 and SEACOM landing ports, 17 African offices and 450 local experts, we havemore on the ground support than any other operator.
Gateway is committed to developing long term communications solutions and investing for the long term in the communities where we operate. Gateway has been severally recognised by the telecommunications industry for setting the standards for tomorrows' communications today in Africa.