Triple-play operator Ucom is set to become Armenia’s fourth mobile operator after it was issued a licence by the Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC).
Ucom paid AMD6.2bn (US$15m) for the licence in the 801-811 MHz and 842-852 MHz bands which…
Triple-play operator Ucom is set to become Armenia’s fourth mobile operator after it was issued a licence by the Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC).
Ucom paid AMD6.2bn (US$15m) for the licence in the 801-811 MHz and 842-852 MHz bands which is valid until 2018, according to multiple local reports.
Ucom is planning to launch services on 1 January 2015 and will then compete against VivaCell-MTS, Beeline and Orange.
Following the decision, the CEO of Orange’s business in the country said he was perplexed at the PSRC’s decision to allow a fourth operator into a country.
Francis Gelibter told local reporters that there was no precedent in other markets for a fourth operator being a success in countries with populations of less than 10 million. Armenia’s population is just over 3 million and mobile penetration has reached 100%.
Ucom – which currently provides broadband, IP television and fixed-line telephony – plans to offer LTE.
Under the terms of its licence, Ucom will have to provide wireless broadband in Armenia’s capital city, Yerevan, and its metropolitan area by the start of 2016. By the beginning of 2017, it is required to cover the country’s main motorways and 80% of its populated areas.
