iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
The variety originated in California but is popular because of how it is farmed in Japan
KT APPDOWNLOAD
Six firms apply for Syria’s third mobile licence
DAMASCUS - Six companies have applied to become Syria’s third cellphone operator, a telecommunications official said, in the first stage of an auction that will test the state’s ability to award contracts according to international standards.
France Telecom, Turkcell, Saudi Telecom, Qtel of Qatar, Iran’s Tamco and the UAE’s Emirates Telecommunications Corp, etisalat, have submitted documents before the pre-qualification deadline on Sunday, Deputy Telecom Minister Mohammad Al Galali told official media on Monday.
The telecom sector is tinged with politics in Syria, which has been under US sanctions since 2004 for its support of militant groups, but has lifted several bans on investment after decades of Soviet-style economic policies.
Independent political figures who criticised the way the state had awarded contracts to the two existing operators have been jailed for five to seven years.
Telecom executives said that competition for the third licence will be tough, with Saudi Telecom having deep pockets and Turkcell gaining a knowledge of the market after an attempt to acquire Syriatel, one of the existing two operators, collapsed two years ago. “The pre-qualification process has been vague and messy, but ultimately the tender is written in a way that leaves no chance except for the company putting up the most cash to win,” a market source said.
The tender had been expected to draw international interest for one of the last markets in the Middle East with a major potential for expansion.
According to the tender document, the licence would be awarded “by way of a multiple round auction with confidential bidding” from applicants who pass the qualification phase.”
Syria has around 10.4 million cellphone subscribers, including prepaid cards, according to figures from the Telecom Ministry.
The country has a population of 20 million and three million expatriates.
The two current cellphone operators are South Arica’s MTN and Syriatel, which is mostly owned by Syrian businessman Rami Makhlouf, who is under specific US sanctions.
Syriatel and MTN operate in Syria under 15-year build, operate and transfer contracts that government will scrap next year and convert to 20-year licenses for a fee of S£25 billion ($537 million) each.
More news from
Kenya's Faith Kipyegon shattered women's 5,000 metres mark as Ingebrigtsen runs world's best time in two-mile race
Visitors who spend Dh100 or more at the park’s restaurants, cafes, retail shops, or tickets stand a chance to win prizes in raffle draws
Now Rohit Sharma's men have to bat last on a pitch that is likely to deteriorate in the last two days
Victory on Sunday would give Djokovic a record-breaking 23rd major title
Families who are living within the 6km danger zone were evacuated, while classes and business activities had been suspended
Jordan's beloved king and queen are marking their 30th wedding anniversary today
The cause of the blast was not immediately known, authorities said