The NTRA will seek bids for the establishment and operation of the third mobile network, which will offer third generation (3G) services. The winner will be selected in early 2006 and the network is expected to start operations by the middle of 2007.

Egypt initially decided to set up a third mobile operator in 2002, but the plan was delayed for "the sharp decrease in the volume of local and international communications investments, shortage in liquidity as well as the non-feasibility of the project," according to Minister of Communications and IT Tareq Kamel.

The ministry has since resumed its decision for "changes in the telecommunications market and the improved investment climate" which has made foreign investors interested in setting up the third operator, Kamel said.

Source: Xinhua News Agency -  WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News