Investcom, a Lebanese telecommunications group, said its consortium won one of two mobile phone licenses in Afghanistan.
Investcom said it paid US$ 40.1 million for a 15-year national license that can be extended by 10 years. Investcom has a 60% stake in the Afghan bidding consortium. Alokozay Group, of the United Arab Emirates, owns the other 40%.
The second winning consortium, Watan Mobile Afghanistan, included Al Houbi Telecom from Saudi Arabia and Cellular One and GlobeCom of the United States. The two licenses were sold for the same price.
"Afghanistan is clearly (at) a crucial stage of infrastructure development and, with an approximate population of 30 million and very low mobile penetration, it represents a large market opportunity for us," Investcom’s Chief Executive Azmi Mikati said.
Source: Reuters - WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News
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