Asiacell is a leading provider of quality mobile telecommunications services in Iraq, with over 16 million subscribers. Asiacell was the first mobile telecommunications provider in Iraq to achieve nationwide coverage, offering its services across all of Iraq's 18 governorates including the national capital Baghdad and all other major Iraqi cities. Asiacell's network covers 97% of the Iraqi population, making Asiacell's national coverage the most extensive of any Iraqi mobile telecommunications operator. In 2012, Asiacell was recognized by the French market research firm Altai as being Iraq's leading brand – not only in the mobile telecommunications market but across all industry sectors – a reflection of Asiacell's strong brand recognition and its established reputation for quality, reliability and service.In 2011, the Iraqi Ministry of Communications (MOC) recognized Asiacell as the "best GSM operator" in Iraq.Asiacell achieved nationwide network coverage by 2009 and continues to strive to be the first choice for mobile telecommunications in Iraq. Prior to its conversion to a private joint stock company in anticipation of the IPO, Asiacell was the largest limited liability company in Iraq.Asiacell enjoys the strong support of its shareholders. These include its founder, Mr. Faruk M. Rasool, as well as its strategic partner and key shareholder Qatar Telecom (Ooredoo), which has vast experience in successfully operating and supporting mobile telecommunications providers across the MENA region and South-East Asia.Asiacell holds one of only three 15-year nationwide licenses issued by Iraqs Communication and Media Commission (CMC) in 2007, entitling the Company to build and operate a mobile telecommunications network throughout Iraq. Asiacell currently provides international telecommunications services through the international gateway of the Ministry of Communications.