Vodafone Albania will reportedly launch its 3G network this month, just weeks after winning the country’s sole UMTS allowance. Vodafone bagged the license by offering US$43.79 million, more than twice the 16.52 million price tag set by the Albanian telecoms regulator AKEP.

Vodafone’s offer beat its Turkish-owned rival Eagle Mobile’s bid of US$16.65 million. AKEP’s Offer Assessment Commission evaluated Vodafone’s offer with the full 100 points, while Eagle Mobile garnered 46 points.

According to reports, as the winner of the 3G license Vodafone will be required to ensure network coverage of 35% of the territory within six months of licensing, rising to 65% in twelve and 85% in 18 months. It was required to pay for the license within seven days of the announcement and launch commercial services within two months of the license award. Annual payments of around US$232,000 will be liable for spectrum usage.