Georgia to Auction a Third GSM License

Georgia's National Communications Commission has announced plans to auction off a third GSM license in the country, and also some additional radio spectrum for the incumbent operators. In accordance with the Commission's Decision last April 26, the cellular communication licences of "Zamex Sa" Ltd (Licence No 1070), "Neocom" Ltd (Licence No 1136) and "Ibercom" Ltd (Licence No 1042) granted by the former Ministry of Post and Telecommunications have been revoked for failing to commence the licensed activities. Consequently, there is unallocated frequency resource available within 1710 - 1880 MHz frequency range.

The Commission also noted, that the GSM network operator, Magticom has already submitted an application for cellular communication licence within GSM 1800 MHz frequency range.

The auction will be held on 13 February, 2004, at 16:00.

Bidders will not allowed to participate in the auction if, by winning (the auction), they end up with more than 50% of whole range of resources within GSM 1800 MHz frequency range. The cellular communication licence will be issued within 7 working days after the payment of 30% of licence fee by the winner. The payment terms and conditions for the rest of licence fee shall be defined in accordance with the legislation in force.

Magticom is run by Gia Jokhtaberidze, the son-in-law of former president Eduard Shevardnadze. He recently refuted media speculation that he is planning to sell his stake in the company."

Posted to the site on 15th December 2003