Algeria Expected to Announce 3G Tender Shortly
Algeria is expected to announce plans for a 3G network tender as soon as next week - reports the Algerie Presse Service. An unnamed French company has already carried out work on preparing the tender according to the official news agency.
"In case of validation by the prime minister during next week's cabinet meeting, an international tender would be launched for the implementation of this network," Telecommunications Minister Boudjema Haichour was quoted as saying.
In related news, Watanya Telecom Algerie (Nedjma) General Manager Joseph Jed said that he expects as many as 5 million customers could have their mobile lines disconnected on 1st May as they have not registered their identity with the networks.
Speaking at "El Moudjahid Forum," Jed said that Nedjma's points of sale and distributors received about 10,000 subscribers every day trying to register their details - and the company cannot process them fast enough to comply with the deadline.
Although official outlets require ID before they can provide a mobile phone, there has been a growing grey market where SIM cards are sold by street vendors and tobacconists who were more relaxed about complying with the regulations. However, following an increase in terrorist bombings, the security services have asked the regulator to clamp down on unverified mobile phone sales.
According to figures from the Mobile World, Algeria ended last year with around 28.2 million customers.
Posted to the site on 10th April 2008
