Azercell Telecom Suspends Interconnection With Nar Mobile Over Unpaid Debts

Azerbaijan network operator, Azercell Telecom says that it will suspended interconnection with rival operator, Azerfon due to claimed unpaid termination fees. Azercell Telecom says that Azerfon, which trades as Nar Mobile, owes it AZN 11 million (US$13.7 million).

Azercell Telecom says that Azerfon has engaged in systemic breaches of their commercial contract, and has ignored multiple requests for the debt to be paid.

The suspension of the interconnection between the two firms will commence from midnight tomorrow (22nd July).

Azerfon was licensed by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies of Azerbaijan Republic in December, 2005 to provide mobile services throughout the territory of Azerbaijan. The company launched its commercial activities in 21st of March, 2007 under brand name Nar Mobile.

Azerfon's shreholders are Aztelecom (10%), Siemens (30%), British ERSTEL Azerbaijan Ltd (30%) and CELLEX Communication (30%).

According to estimates from the Mobile World analysts, Azerfon ended Q1 '09 with around 1.2 million customers - compared to 3.6 million for Azercell Telecom.

On the web: Mobile World - Azercell Telecom - Azerfon

Posted to the site on 21st July 2009