Nine Bid for Saudi License

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia -- The Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC), announced today that it has received 9 Applications for a Public Mobile Services License, in response to the Request for Applications (RFA) published by the CITC on 21/9/1427H (14/10/2006G). The following is the list of Applicants, listed in the order in which they were received before the final deadline:

Applicants name
1. Consortium of Orascom Telecom Holding (SA)
2. Consortium of Mobile Telecom Company (MTC)
3. Samawat - Bharti Consortium
4. Oger Telecom
5. Kingdom Turkcel
6. Digi cel Tawasull Consortium
7. Al Shoula - MTNL Consortium
8. MTNSaudi Arabia Consortium
9. Abdullah Abdulaziz Al-Rajhi Reliance Telecom

The CITC’s official spokesman Mr.Sultan Al-Malik stated that during the coming weeks, the CITC will study and evaluate the Applications based on the requirements and criteria specified in the RFA. After the eligible Applicants are determined, their financial bids will be opened in a public ceremony and the highest bidder identified. Subsequently the procedure for awarding the license to the highest bidder will be finalized.

The Governor of the CITC, Dr. Mohammed Al-Suwaiyel expressed his appreciation for the efforts and contribution of all the parties who participated in the various phases of the licensing process, including in the public consultations. Dr Al Suwaiyel also thanked those who submitted Applications for the Public Mobile Services License and wished success to all in this important phase of liberalization of the Telecommunications and Information Technology sector in the Kingdom.

The Governor also reaffirmed that the final date for submitting applications for the Public Fixed Services Licenses is 20/2/1428H (10/3/2007G).

Communication and Information Technology Commission (CITC)