Telecom Lead Asia: Neda Telecom, IO Global and Arianna Network Services have won WiMax licenses in Afghanistan.
The WiMax licenses to three operators are expected to increase the availability of internet access in the nation.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT) has awarded WiMAX licences to Neda Telecom, IO Global and Arianna Network Services were each awarded a licence for a fee of $520,000.
The MCIT said in a statement that between 20 percent and 30 percent of subscribers to telecoms services currently have access to the internet, though with the issuance of the trio of WiMAX licences, and the allocation of 3G licences earlier this year the ministry hopes to increase access to around 80 percent of the population within two years.
Telecom minister Amirzai Sangin said: “To change Afghanistan into an advanced technological and e-government country, implementing of advanced technologies is necessary and provides great facilities to the residents of the country. 3G and WIMAX technologies will provide fast internet services for the people of Afghanistan.”
