XPress Telecommunications, a private shareholding company, launched its services in June 2004 in the Jordanian telecommunications market as the latest wireless and mobile operator, offering a new form of telecommunications solutions based on the Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN) technology. XPress is the first Arab company in the Middle East to introduce the technology, which combines the abilities of ordinary mobile phones with the instantaneous Direct Connect (walkie-talkie) service.
XPress was granted the exclusivity of deploying iDEN by telecom giant Motorola, who developed the technology back in 1994 to offer contemporary solutions for the growing business sector needs, as well as other sectors requiring instantaneous, real time communication, and the benefits of time and cost saving, efficiency and productivity.
Furthermore, and in an act considered unprecedented by a US government bank, XPress received a $54 million loan guarantee from Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank), marking Ex-Im Bank's largest financing of a telecommunications project in the Middle East, and its first limited-recourse project financing in the country. The deal signified a real landmark for XPress that reinforced its viability and value for the local telecommunications market.
XPress offers subscribers its primary Direct Connect service, which enables one-to-one and one-to-many immediate, real time communication with a push of the Direct Connect button, similar to "Walkie-Talkie" systems. In addition, subscribers have complete access to regular mobile phone services including SMS and packet data applications such as wap and complete data transfer solutions.
XPress currently retains over 200 employees, 98% of which are Jordanian. The company's own nationwide network covers 95% of populated areas across the country, and is continuously undergoing optimization.
Early indications have signaled an overwhelming demand and acceptance for the new technology despite the fact that it is not familiar. The company's steadfast work since its launch has enabled it to accomplish many milestones and positioned it as a solid player in the local telecommunications industry.
Since its launch, XPress has introduced a number of unique value added services, specifically pioneering the Per Second Billing System. Starting January 1st 2005, XPress introduced the PBS System in order to provide subscribers with a fair method of calculating the cost of mobile calls made, depending on the precise calling time in seconds whereby users are charged for actual talking time without incurring extra costs for unused time. The rating of each second is charged at 1/60 of the whole minute. PSB is applicable to all mobile calls from XPress to XPress and from XPress to other mobile and landline networks at any time of the day.
In 2005, XPress also launched the Push-To-View feature available through the new i860 XPress phone. With the i860 subscribers can send pictures to other XPress users at the push of a button. The i860 enables users to also edit and store images and features a camera with a 10 second Video Recorder.
The company is also regularly introducing the latest in iDEN handsets that cater to the various needs and tastes of the diverse customer base.
In order to extend wider accessibility of its services to different parts of the country, XPress inaugurated showrooms around Jordan in Zarqa, Irbid, and Aqaba, as well as in the Wehdat area.