(Ecofin Agency) - Telecom Egypt, similarly to mobile telecom operators, is now able to provide 4G services to its users. Indeed, the state-owned firm has acquired the licence after signing the related contract at the Ministry of Information, communication and technology on August 31, 2016.

The agreement was signed by ANRT’s CEO, Moustafa Abdel Wahed, and its counterpart from Telecom Egypt, Tamer Gad Allah, in the presence of Minister Yasser Al-Qadi.

Telecom Egypt said it deposited a front payment of EGP5.2 billion (US$583,960,000), half in US dollars, out of the EGP7.08 billion (US$795,084,000), that the license costs. Remaining EGP1.88 billion (US$211,124,000) will be paid in pre-defined tranches, over the next four years. According to the agreement, once the 15-year licence expires, Telecom Egypt can add 5 years to its period of validity, by paying EGP2 billion ($224,600,000).

During the ceremony for the signing of contract with Telecom Egypt, ANRT’s CEO, Moustafa Abdel Wahed said the operator, once ready, will be able to provide not only 4G, but 3G and 2G as well for which it signed local roaming agreements with mobile operators Vodafone, Orange and Etisalat. Pleased, Tamer Gad Allah, CEO of Telecom Egypt, said fiber optic which his firm laid will be used.

Concerning the 4G licence, other telecom operators namely Vodafone, Orange and Etisalat, have until September 22, 2016 to decide whether to join Telecom Egypt by paying the licence fee or leave the race.

Muriel Edjo