Mobile operators to offer 3G services in Lebanon

On 10.25.11, In Mobile Operators, By Editor

Telecom Minister, Nicolas Sehnaoui has reportedly announced that Lebanon’s two state-run operators, Alfa and MTC, will offer 3G services from next month starting at $19 per month for 500 megabytes. According to reports, he said that the act of increasing the Internet speed and decreasing the prices can put Lebanon on the map as being one of the fastest connections in the region. He added that Lebanon could become a regional hub, with the building of the ‘Media and Smart City.’

While industry analysts believe that 3G is a step in the right direction and can be beneficial for the country, they are also concerned that Lebanon may lack the necessary infrastructure required for the upgrade. Further, too many subscribers and heavy traffic flow could lead to a congested network.

 

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MTC customer base grows to 1.53 mn in 2010 (Namibia)

On 03.16.11, In Mobile, By Editor

MTC has revealed that it ended 2010 with a total 1.53 million active customers, an increase from 1.28 million compared to the previous year.

According to the company, revenues for the year were little changed due to the cuts in termination rates, while EBITDA improved to $785.8 million from $748 million in 2009.

Capex increased from $260 million to $410 million, almost half of which went to 3G network roll-out. The 3G investment helped data revenues grow 50% over the year, to 7.6% of total revenues by September 2010. Capex was higher than net profit for the year and a record for the company since its start.

MTC added that it was opposed to the regulator’s latest policy to cap off-net retail voice prices, stating that this is unprecedented for a regulator to intervene on retail prices. However, the company is positive on the country’s new communications law, which should allow it to gain a technology- and service-neutral licence.

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Portugal Telecom Namibia opposes plan to regulate rates

On 03.04.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Portugal Telecom’s unit in Namibia (MTC) has stated that it opposes a move to force mobile-phone companies to charge the same rates when subscribers call other networks in the southern African nation.

According to MTC, a decision by the Namibia Communications Commission, which regulates telecommunications in the country, will block innovation in terms of products and service that are the engine of competition.

As per the company, a bid by the company to block the commission’s move was rejected by the High Court in Windhoek, the capital. MTC has about 1.5 million subscribers and is Namibia’s biggest carrier.

 

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Qatar telecom plans increased investment in Iraq, Algeria

On 02.09.10, In Mobile, By Editor

www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Due to potential for expansion in the Iraqi and Algerian telecoms markets, Qatar telecom is contemplating increased investments in the two countries.

According to the CEO of Qatar Telecom (Qtel), Nasser Marafih, the global financial crisis had some positive impact on Qtel’s businesses in the sense that the lowering of license fees worldwide to a ‘more realistic’ level meant it was cheaper to expand into new markets. He also feels that the lower prices will create further opportunities for Qtel’s acquisitions in the future.

36.2% of mobile operator Wataniya Telecom Algeria (Nedjma) is controlled by Qtel via 71% stake held by Kuwaiti-based Wataniya Telecom (NMTC). 14 communication companies in 17 countries are currently controlled by Qtel. However, all the plans to expand the business in the African market are abandoned by the company due to tough competition.

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