WASHINGTON-Sources say a consortium with investors from Iraq, the United States, South Korea and the United Kingdom has applied to construct U.S.-engineered CDMA mobile-phone networks in Iraq, despite indications the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority and new telecom ministry may be leaning toward European-based GSM because the technology is prevalent in the region and would facilitate roaming.
The CDMA consortium is led by Liberty Mobile reportedly under the direction of Irish businessman Declan Ganley, who has investments in several mobile systems in Europe.
The deadline for submitting bids for the three regional mobile-phone licenses in Iraq was yesterday.
Bahrain Telecommunications Co. and Turkcell said they filed applications to construct GSM mobile-phone systems. Other consortia with operation experience in and investment from the Middle East are in the competition for Iraqi wireless permits as well, according to sources. The CPA has not said whether it will post a list of candidates for the regional mobile licenses, which are expected to be awarded in about two weeks.
