NAVTEQ Selected as Tier One Supplier to Dubai Based Emitac Mobile Solutions

DUBAI, UAE, May 19, 2010 /PRNewswire/ --

- Navigation Solution to be Pre-bundled on BlackBerry Handheld Devices in the Middle East

NAVTEQ , the leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world, has been confirmed as a tier one supplier to the Dubai-based Emitac Mobile Solutions (EMS) for its Middle East operation. A strategic channel partner of Research in Motion, EMS is the largest distributor of BlackBerry devices in the Middle East and Africa, working in 33 countries in the region.

As a tier one supplier, NAVTEQ is providing a navigation package to EMS which includes an Appello's online mobile navigation solution Wisepilot (TM off board navigation solution) as well as NAVTEQ(R) maps and other content. EMS is planning to pre-bundle the application on all BlackBerry devices with approximately one million expected to be shipped in the Middle East this year.

"Emitac Mobile Solutions is proud to work with NAVTEQ in increasing the value for BlackBerry smartphones in the Middle East. Adding NAVTEQ maps with the Appello application complements the BlackBerry solution perfectly. Our relationship with NAVTEQ is an example of our commitment to provide more value to its carrier customers and large network of partners," says Mr. Babar Khan, CEO of Emitac Mobile Solutions.

EMS currently offers BlackBerry end-to-end services to 40 operators in the region complete with a Virtual Preload agreement which allows additional over-the-air applications to be activated by the consumer. The actual application is installed once the user has accepted the License Agreement and pressed the "Download" button.

Given its broad experience in developing marketing programs which help promote navigation, NAVTEQ is in a unique position to support EMS in the wireless arena. "We felt we could leverage our local presence and demonstrate proactive support by leveraging our marketing program experience to help EMS position the benefits of this navigation solution to both operators and the retail channel," explained Yiannis Moissidis, NAVTEQ vice president, MEA sales. "The chance to reach out to a huge range of mobile operators through our relationship with EMS is a very exciting proposition."

The navigation bundle will include maps of Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia & UAE and consumers will be able to buy further worldwide coverage as required.

About NAVTEQ

NAVTEQ is the leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data (digital location content) enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world. NAVTEQ supplies comprehensive digital location content to power automotive navigation systems, portable and wireless devices, Internet-based mapping applications and government and business solutions. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has approximately 4600 employees located in 203 offices in 45 countries.

NAVTEQ is a trademark in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved.

About Emitac Mobile Solutions (EMS)

Emitac Mobile Solutions is a Dubai based solutions and service provider and a RIM strategic channel partner, focused on the delivery, implementation and support of the BlackBerry solution. Delivered by an experienced team of mobile professionals, EMS provides mobile operators with sales, marketing, distribution, solution implementation and technical support services for the BlackBerry wireless platform from Research In Motion (RIM). EMS provides organizations using this platform with the ability to rapidly create, deploy and manage robust client-server wireless applications, reducing an organization's total cost of ownership and significantly increases the value of its mobile technology investment. EMS is the region's first Mobile Virtual Solutions Provider (MVSP) with services delivered through partnerships with mobile operators in the Gulf, North Africa and Eastern Europe. For more information, visit http://www.emsmobile.ae

    Editorial Contacts:

    Claire Backhurst
    NAVTEQ
    Tel: +44(0)7891-140-178
    e-M: claire.backhurst @navteq.com

    Sue Mather
    Stanhope Communications
    Tel: +44(0)1342-833313
    e-M: [email protected]

SOURCE NAVTEQ