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Operators regulator, reportedly resolve spectrum spat.
All three of Egypt’s foreign-owned mobile operators have now acquired 4G licences after resolving the disagreement between them and the country’s regulator.
Vodafone and Etisalat were the last two to sign deals with the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA), reported Bloomberg on Sunday, joining Orange Egypt, which bought a licence last week, and incumbent Telecom Egypt, which bought its licence in August.
According to the report, Etisalat and Vodafone agreed to pay $535.5 (€488 million) and $335 million respectively. Both paid an additional $11.3 million each for virtual fixed-line licences as well.
Etisalat, Orange and Vodafone all initially turned down the NTRA’s 4G licences. Orange and Vodafone insisted they were keen to offer 4G services, but said insufficient spectrum was on offer.
In a statement on Sunday, Vodafone said it acquired a 4G licence and a virtual fixed-line licence after the NTRA made additional spectrum available.
"Based on this agreement, Vodafone will be able to provide consumer and business customers world class 4G services in Egypt," the telco said.
In a separate Bloomberg report Last Thursday, Orange Egypt agreed to pay $484 million for 10 MHz of 4G spectrum, more than the 7.5 MHz it was initially offered.
