Turkcell has become the third prequalified bidder to drop out of the tender for Syria’s third mobile licence.
The mobile operator stated its decision, without giving any reasons.
Etisalat withdrew its interest earlier this week, citing onerous conditions…
Turkcell has become the third prequalified bidder to drop out of the tender for Syria’s third mobile licence.
The mobile operator stated its decision, without giving any reasons.
Etisalat withdrew its interest earlier this week, citing onerous conditions including a 25% revenue share, while France Telecom has also ruled itself out, saying that the frequencies on offer are in a lower band than that occupied by existing operators MTN Syria and SyriaTel. As such, the winner would have to build a “denser and therefore more expensive network”.
QTel this week stated that it remained interested, while STC has yet to make a statement either way.
Earlier this month, Syria’s deputy telecoms minister Mohammad Al-Jallali placed a minimum US$122m reserve price on the third mobile licence. The auction is due to take place on 12 April. Turkcell, France Telecom, STC, Etisalat and Qtel had all prequalified, while a sixth suitor, Iran’s state-owned Tamin Telecom Company (Tamco), did not qualify.
