The new MVNO will launch mobile service through Zain’s network infrastructure
Saudi Arabia’s Communications and Information Technology Commission has extended the deadline for bids for a mobile virtual network operator license that will enable the holder to offer services through mobile operator Zain’s network infrastructure.
Interested parties will have from now until Dec. 10 to submit their applications for an MVNO license. The telecom regulator had previously set Aug. 13 as the deadline for receipt of applications, but decided to extend the process following a number of requests from stakeholders.
CITC instructed the kingdom’s three mobile operators to each host a MVNO in a move to boost competition in the mobile market.
In September 2015, Virgin Mobile became the first MVNO to operate in Saudi Arabia. Virgin Mobile currently offers mobile services through Saudi Telecom Company’s network.
Meanwhile, Saudi mobile operator Mobility partnered with European-based Lebara to launch an MVNO. Lebara currently has MVNO operations in Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, the U.K. and Australia.
Vodafone launches 4G LTE in 18 new cities across Czech Republic
Vodafone Group has launched LTE services in 18 new towns and cities across the Czech Republic. Some of the new cities in which the 4G LTE is now commercially available include Pisek, Dvur Kralove nad Labem and Kutna Hora. The telco said that its LTE service currently covers 85% of the country’s population and 82% of the territory of the Czech Republic. Vodafone provides 4G LTE services in the Czech Republic through spectrum in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz bands.
The European telco aims to deploy its LTE services across all Czech cities during this summer.
Vodafone markets 3G and 4G under the unified brand Turbo Internet. These two technologies currently cover 98% of the population and 88% of the territory.
Last month, Vodafone commercially launched 4G LTE in Sand, Blansko, Boskovice, Hodonin Kyjov, Dvur Kralove nad Labem, Trutnov, Vrchlabi, Hlinsko, Chrudim, Benesov, Kutna Hora, Pribram, Most and Teplice.
Vodafone ended June with a total of 3.32 million mobile subscribers in the Czech Republic, according to the operator’s latest quarterly report.
