Qtel, Zain and TMI to participate in third operator tender: telecom official

The companies are Qtel (Qatar Telecom), Kuwait mobile phone operator Zain and TMI (Telekom Malaysia International).
“So far more than seven major foreign operators have announced their eagerness to participate in third mobile phone operator tender unofficially,” Kamal Mahamedpour told Mobna news agency.
“These foreign operators can buy the tender documents, provided that they receive certification from foreign investment organization that is branch of finance and economy ministry,” he added.
“Foreign operators will be appraised in two stages when it comes to quality and technical aspects,” Mahamedpour said.
It is expected that at least 10 operators who are among major mobile phone operators in Middle East, Asia and Europe to participate in third nationwide operator tender.
Earlier two Russian operators Megafon and Vimpelcom announced their presence in this tender.
According to Radio Communication and Regulation Organization officials third mobile phone operator tender winner will be determined by May- June 2009 and applicants can buy tender documents and offer their propositions by 8 October.
Third mobile phone operator shares in Iran mobile phone market will be 17 percent and this operator can attract 15 million subscribers.
Mobile phone penetration rate in Iran is about 60 percent.

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