The Syrian government has recently publicized a tender to install a 1.7 million mobile phone network in Syria, starting February 14. The project, according to Al-Hayat, was launched earlier this year and is to be completed by winter.
The company will grant this tender to a bidder who will be obliged to furnish the costs of the project. In addition, the bidder will be required to allocate 40 percent of the profits to the government in the first three years, 40 percent in the following three years and 50 percent of the profits from then on.
In February 2000, the first experimental cellular network was inaugurated, allowing for 40,000 subscribers in Damascus and 20,000 in Aleppo. The subscription costs were relatively high — with installment priced at 60,000 Syrian pounds (SP) and an annual fee determined at SP 2,400. — (Albawaba-MEBG)
