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WASHINGTON-The Iraqi National Communication and Media Commission is seeking applications for national and provincial licenses for local telecom services based on wireless local loop technologies. The licenses are expected to offer a major opportunity for U.S.-based CDMA technology in a region dominated by GSM mobile-phone systems.
The application deadline is Jan. 12, followed by an evaluation of submissions and an auction Jan. 30 among the finalists. New licenses could be issued Feb. 12.
In an address sponsored by the Council on Foreign Relations, President Bush pointed to cell-phone growth in Iraq as a sign of progress in efforts to rebuild the war-torn country and advance democratic political reforms.
