JOHANNESBURG, South Africa-Cell C, the consortium backed by Middle Eastern conglomerate Saudi Oger with CellSaf as a local partner, has been officially named the preferred consortium for the third cellular license in South Africa. Cell C linked up with GTE Corp. shortly before the bids were submitted in June 1999 to the South African Regulatory Authority (Satra).
The other five bidding consortia have until March 14 to respond to Satra’s decision. Their input will be considered and a final recommendation made to the minister of communication by the end of March. The minister will consider these and formally award the license.
