Algeria’s leading GSM operator OTA signs multi-million dollar billing software agreement with Intec

London/Atlanta, June 8, 2004 – Algeria’s leading mobile operator, Orascom Telecom (OTA), has signed a contract with Intec Telecom Systems, a global provider of Operations Support Systems (OSS) for fixed, wireless, IP and next generation networks. Under the terms of the agreement, which is valued at over $2 million, Intec will supply OTA with its InterconnecT™ billing and Inter-mediatE™ convergent mediation solutions to enable the GSM operator to effectively manage intercarrier billing and settlement. The deal is the third large contract Intec has announced in Africa this year, providing further evidence of the continent’s growing demand for OSS solutions as well as Intec’s dominant role in this large telecom market.

The implementation of two Intec solutions at OTA highlights a growing trend among operators in developing markets. “Intec is benefiting from a strong OSS replacement market,” adds Intec’s Christian Ciupek. “Time and again Intec is being selected by leading operators to upgrade their legacy billing systems with our cutting edge technology.”

OTA is poised to capture an even greater subscriber base in Algeria as the country enters a period of political stability and economic rejuvenation. Since launching its services in 2002, OTA has become the leading GSM operator in the country with over 1.7 million subscribers. With a population of over 30 million people, there is tremendous potential for business growth as Algeria prepares for a mobile boom. According to the latest figures published by the country’s Information and Communication Technologies Ministry, the number of wireless phone users in Algeria will soar to 8 million by 2005 with OTA securing the majority of subscribers.

About Orascom Telecom Algeria
Orascom Telecom Algeria (OTA) was founded in 2002 by the Orascom Telecom Holding S.A.E. (OTH), a major private conglomerate in Egypt. Operating under the brand name DJEZZY, OTA is one of the most successful operations of its kind, and is a major contributor to OTH’s scale, growth, and mobile telecommunications leadership in the region. OTA commenced commercial operations under its brand in February 2002 and is already Algeria’s leading telecommunications services provider. The company already has more than 1.7 million subscribers representing over 88 percent of the country’s mobile market and a network coverage area serving over 70 percent of Algeria’s roughly 31.8 million inhabitants.

Information About Intec
Intec is a leading OSS billing product vendor for fixed, mobile and next-generation networks (i.e. WLAN, 3G and IP), with more than 570 installations of its products worldwide in 400 customers. Founded in 1997, Intec was listed on the London Stock Exchange in June 2000. Intec has a strong position in the provision of inter-carrier billing systems and convergent mediation software, and has recently acquired a capability in IP billing and real-time mobile service charging and control. For the year ended 30 September 2003, Intec reported revenues of £50.7 million, with adjusted net earnings after tax of £4.1 million.

Intec’s product portfolio includes:
Inter-mediatE™ - convergent billing mediation solution;
InterconnecT™ - interconnect billing including US CABS and ITU-based settlement;
Inter-activatE™ - flow-through provisioning and service activation;
Intec CPM™ - end-to-end content partner management; and
Intec DCP™ (Dynamic Charging Platform) – a real-time pre/post-paid charging interface between the network and the back office.
InterconnecT OR Least Cost Routing - Optimal Least Cost Routing for effective interconnect cost reduction

Intec’s customer base includes, among others, BellSouth, BellSouth Peru, Brazil Telecom, Cable & Wireless, Cesky Telecom (Czech Republic), China Unicom, COLT Telecommunications, EBT (Taiwan), Eircom (Ireland), France Telecom, Hutchison 3G, Maxis (Malaysia), Nitel (Nigeria), Reliance (India), Singtel Optus (Australia), O2 Ireland, Orange, Telecom Argentina, Telecom Egypt, Telecom Italia, Tiscali, TPSA (Poland), Swisscom, T-Mobile International, Telefonica, Telia (Sweden), Telkom South Africa, Telstra, US Cellular, Westel (Hungary), Vodafone, VimpelCom (Russia), Vivo (Brasil) and Verizon.

On 12 May 2004 Intec reported its Interim (half year) results for the six months to 31 March 2004. The report stated that: “A combination of strong new licence sales across Intec’s main product lines, increased revenues from both professional services and recurring business, and generally improved trading conditions in the telecoms sector have driven a 41% increase in turnover and an increase in adjusted earnings per share of 130%. Trading conditions continue to be healthy, and providing these remain stable the Board is confident of satisfying full year expectations. In addition the Company is engaged in several major opportunities which, should they conclude and be recognizable in the current year, will enhance Intec’s financial performance for the full year.” Further details can be found in the full Interim statement at Intec Billing.

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