WASHINGTON—Iraq today officially launched the first mobile phone license tender under the new government, a competition intended to result in four national wireless carriers.
“After decades of oppression under the Saddam, Iraqis are keen to express themselves via all forms of telecommunication. Mobile phones, literally, put the power of communication in their hands,” said Siyamend Othman, head of Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission.
The licensing process, which will incorporate auctions, is expected to be completed within four months. The CMC said it expects the 15-year mobile phone licenses to be awarded by June.
Under the now-defunct U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority, mobile-phone licenses were awarded in 2003 to Orascom Telecom Iraq Corp., Asia-Cell Telecommunications Ltd. and Atheer Telecom Iraq Ltd. All three use GSM technology, which is predominant in the Middle East. Mobile phone subscriptions in Iraq have gone from near zero to 3 million in less than three years.
Iraq also intends to grant wireless local loop licenses, creating business opportunities for U.S.-based CDMA technology.
