4th Operator investors limited – predicts ICT ministry deputy

Ahmad Pouranghnia, in conversation with MOBNA, said according to the law the 4th Operator could start operation two years after the 3rd Operator has been in operation.
He stressed that 4th Operator activity will depend on the mobile phone market situation at the time.
Pouranghnia indicated the number of mobile phone subscribers was planned to reach 35m in two years, but expected the figure will be reached much sooner.
He predicted the number of mobile phone subscribers will hit 40m mark before 3rd Operator inauguration.
Pouranghnia stressed that after 3rd Operator inauguration, which will be around October 2008, the mobile phone market condition should be reviewed to see if 4th Operator is indeed necessary.
“In that situation no operator would be interested to invest in the mobile phone market.” he remarked.
He foresaw that if mobile phone penetration rate reaches 70% in two years’ time, competition among operators will be very close.
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