Cedarcom SAL  

Cedarcom SAL was established in 1997 with the objective of providing state-of-the-art interconnectivity solutions to the corporate industry in Lebanon. Even though Cedarcom SAL obtained its license in 1997, it was not until May 2004 that it started its operations in beta phase (after its acquisition by the Group) and launched commercial services in September 2004 using pre-WiMAX technology. Since then, Cedarcom has an estimated market share of more than 33% in Data Sector (more than 26% in the Fixed Broadband Wireless Access sector and more than 38% of the Mobile Broadband Wireless Access sector).

The formula that Cedarcom SAL followed in its value proposition “8 times the capacity for 80% of the price” – played a role in allowing the company to gain market share quickly. Cedarcom SAL’s national coverage was completed in August of 2005.

In April 2006 completed a private placement raising substantial equity to launch Mobi. In November 2006 Cedarcom launched Mobi, the first true mobile broadband service using 802.20 iBurst standard. Biography of the private investors is found below.

Currently Cedarcom is migrating from pre - WiMAX 802.16a to the pre - WiMAX 802.16d, In addition to implementing several coverage expansion projects.

Company Overview

Cedarcom is the alternative Broadband Wireless Data Provider in Lebanon, providing a breadth of data communication and access solutions to the local industry.

Cedarcom holds a wireless data networking license under decree number 10172, allowing the deployment and operation of a country-wide wireless data network with the advanced Broadband technology. Cedarcom has spectrum on bands 1.9 GHz, 2.5 GHz, 3.5 GHz, 7.5 GHz and 23 GHz.

Cedarcom provides secure wireless access, data networking and last-mile solutions to Banks, ISPs, ASPs, Insurance companies, Universities, Multi-branch offices, etc.

Shareholders

Abdulaziz A. Al OMRAN
Mr. Al Omran is a second-generation member of the Al Omran family of business and entrepreneurs. He is an active investor in the GCC financial markets with particular emphasis on the Saudi Stock Market. Mr. Al Omran commands profound Investment Banking background, with over 4 years of experience at Samba Financial Group. During his work with Samba, Abdulaziz was involved in numerous landmark transactions in the areas of M&A, private placements, project finance and IPO’s. Through his partnership in Khalid & Abdulaziz Al Omran Company, he got involved in establishing startup businesses in the areas of real-estate, digital printing, entertainment and manufacturing. He represents Khalid & Abdulaziz Al Omran Company as director to the board in two of its portfolio investments Arabian Industries Company and Al Rashid & Al Omran Company.
Abdulaziz holds a Bachelors degree in Finance (with Honors) from King Fahad University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran (2001).

Alex S. Demirdjian
Mr. Demirdjian is the General Manager of Demco Steel. He is a founder and shareholder of several businesses involved in steel trading, shipping and banking.
Mr. Demirdjian holds a BS Economics from the University of Southern California

Gamma Group
Gamma 2000 Limited is a world leader in international marketing and trading, specializing in defense, paramilitary and security markets in mainland Europe, the Middle East and the Far East. Training Services form an important and often integral part of implementing successful security operations.

Georges H. CHALHOUB
Mr. Chalhoub, born 1960, represents UNION FRANCO ARABE’s (UFA) investment branch. UFA is an Insurance Company based in Lebanon with various representation offices in Europe and Middle East countries. Mr. Chalhoub has carried out other operational insurance activities involving insurance and reinsurance solutions on the international market.
He is a shareholder in various local and International Companies.

Imad M. Tarabay
Mr. Tarabay has considerable experience in the information and communication technology sector. Mr. Tarabay is the founder, shareholder and CEO of several successful companies including MOBI, the largest mobile broadband operator, and Cedarcom, the second largest wireless data operator in Lebanon.
Mr. Tarabay is the Secretary of the Lebanese Telecom Association and member of the ICT Committee at the American Lebanese Chamber of Commerce. Previously was founding member and treasurer of ITIA and former member of the Board of the Telecom Committee at the Professional Computer Association.
Mr. Tarabay is an OPM Alumni at Harvard Business School. Mr. Tarabay graduated from the University of the Americas in Mexico with Honorable Mention, holding a Bachelor degree in Business Administration with a concentration in management, finance and marketing.

Karim Hamade
Mr. Hamade is an active member in the Lebanese business community. He has participated in several successful business including GFM Insurance from 1992 to 1999 were he held Board seat and occupied the function of Marketing and PR manager.
Mr. Hamade later divested his interest in GFM and acquired a stake in United Commercial Assurance where he is an active member of the Board. Mr. Hamade is the co-founder and shareholder of Near East Automotive Distribution which was the first vending machine operator in Lebanon since 1996 till 2002. Mr. Hamade is a shareholder and board member of Cedarcom since 2003 and a Board member of Shouf National Touristic Company since 2003. He is a member in YAL (Young Arab Leaders since 2006.
Mr. Hamade holds a Bachelors degree in Political Science and Public Administration - AUB- 1988.

Ziad T.  Monla
Mr. Monla is an active entrepreneur in the Lebanese and Middle East arena. His endeavors started in early 1993 where he formed Monla Trading Inc. which represented International companies aiming to participate in the reconstruction of Lebanon. In 1994 he joined the family business, Monla Hospital in Tripoli as active board Member, participated opening the First open Heart Surgery center in the North of Lebanon, Full Fledged Diagnostic Center. Mr. Monla is an active Board of the Syndicate of Private Hospitals in Lebanon.
In 1999 Mr. Monla formed Lunasat and targeted the telecom business in Iraq. Later In 2003 he formed LunaSat Holding and is present today in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq. LunaSat Holding owns interest in several companies including InsurePC, and Lunasat LLC (VOIP wholesale and retail in the US). In 2005 Mr. Monla partnered with the Bassatne’ family and formed Luna Solutions which is mandated to implement e-solutions in the Middle East and Africa.
Mr. Monla Holds a BA degree in International Business from Chapman University in California.