orange seeks 3G licence for Iraqi affiliate korex

Orange is preparing for 3G at its affiliate in Irak, Korek Telecom, a regional mobile operator in which it holds a 20 percents stake. The group's executive director for Africa, the Near East and Asia, Marc Rennard, told Reuters on the margins of a conference in Cape Town that Korek signed its 5 millionth customer at the start of the month and that the operator's next step would be to obtain a 3G licence. Irak has 33 million inhabitants and a 78 percent mobile penetration rate, but only 2 percent have broadband internet access, according to analysts. Currently, most people depend on 2G mobile or on costly and unreliable fixed-line internet connectivity. Of the 3G licence, Rennard said, "This will depend on the government and regulatory authorities, but we hope that it will be in early 2014".

source: www.telecompaper.com