LONDON-Namibia is set to open its mobile market by issuing a tender for a second GSM operator.
According to a statement issued by the Namibian Communications Commission, tender documents are available from its offices, and a clarification meeting with prospective applicants will be held July 23.
The tender for Namibia’s second license will close Sept. 4, 2003, when the evaluation process will begin. “If all goes well, the NCC will make a recommendation to Cabinet as soon as possible after the closing date,” commented Johan Schutte of the NCC.
The winner of the bidding process will be able to compete with Mobile Telecoms Commission, currently the sole provider of mobile services. The operator is a joint venture between the government, Swedish consultancy Swedtel and investment firm Swedfund.
The Namibian cabinet approved the opening of the country’s mobile market for competition in May 2000 and had recommended that the move take place by 2002.
