Mobile operator Zain Sudan is in talks with the newly independent state of South Sudan to get a mobile licence, Reuters reports quoting managing director Elfatih Erwa.
The Sudanese unit of Kuwait-based Zain will continue to operate in the new state…
Mobile operator Zain Sudan is in talks with the newly independent state of South Sudan to get a mobile licence, Reuters reports quoting managing director Elfatih Erwa.
The Sudanese unit of Kuwait-based Zain will continue to operate in the new state until a new licence is issued.
Erwa does not intendto ask Sudan to refund the estimated E200m fee the new licence will cost, the report said.
The company is expected to break up its Southern operations as soon as the new country receives and international dialling code.
According to the reports, at the end of Q1 Zain Sudan had 10.7 million subscribers, representing 57% market share. It reportedly generated US$273m revenues, but just 6% came from South Sudan.
Zain will reportedly invest some US$110m in fibre and network this year. It already provides 3G services but internet access is currently provided via satellite.
In Sudan, Zain competes with MTN Sudan with an estimated 19% market share and Sudani, the mobile of telecoms incumbent Sudatel, 24%.
South Sudan became independent in July, having voted for secession at a referendum held in Janary. Only one out of the eight million population reportedly has a mobile phone.
