Two Governments Privatizating Their Networks

A couple of telecoms privatizations to bring to your notice. Both Georgia (the country, not the US State) and Cameroon are looking to sell their state owned operators.

The government of the Republic of Cameroon says that it is planning to privatise Cameroon Telecommunications - Camtel as part of its liberalisation policy. According to the tender document, at the end of last year, Camtel had 110,000 subscribers and is currently implementing a network expansion program which should expand its capacity by 155,000 fixed wireless CDMA lines. The company also holds a mobile phone license, although it doesn't have a network yet.

The government is planning to sell 51% of the company. There are also plans to transfer a portion of the share capital to Camtel, 10% to local investors and 5% to the staff.

According to The Mobile World, there are two mobile networks in operation at the moment. MTN Cameroon ended Q3 2005 with 1.1 million subscribers while Orange had just under 900,000 subscribers.

Full details from Herve de Villechabrolle - herve.devillechabrolle@bnpparibas.com at BNP Paribas who are managing the sale.

Georgia meanwhile is also looking to sell 65% of JSC United Telecom of Georgia - UTG, the incumbent telecoms operator. UTG has 70% out of a total 500,000fixed line subscribers in the country. UTG also provides internet, long distance and international calls in Georgia.

Details from k.damenia@econom.ge"

Posted to the site on 16th March 2006