ictQATAR publishes mobile license application procedures

The 12 potential applicants are among the largest telecommunications companies in the world:
ACE Consortium (includes Airtel)
Argos Consortium (includes Verizon)
AT&T
Batelco
Digicel
Etisalat
Jordan Telecom
MTC
Orascom
QUIC Consortium (includes Omantel and Belgacom)
Reliance
Vodafone

The companies received the mobile licence application procedures document (ICTRA 03/07), referred to as the "MAP", setting out the requirements, procedures, timetable and other terms and conditions for formally applying for the second mobile licence. The document can be found at http://www.ict.gov.qa/files/MAP.pdf.

ictQATAR must receive all applications by 2 September 2007. ictQATAR will then begin a two-stage application process: (1) a commercial and technical evaluation, and (2) an auction. Only those pre-qualified candidates who meet the eligibility requirements established by the MAP during the commercial and technical evaluation stage will participate in the auction process.

The pre-qualified candidate that complies with all of the requirements of the MAP and submits the highest fee proposal in the auction process will be recommended by the Secretary General of ictQATAR for award of the Second Mobile Licence. The Board of Directors of ictQATAR will take the final decision in selecting the winning applicant and granting the Second Mobile Licence.

The launch of services by the second mobile licensee is expected to occur sometime in 2008, after the licensee has built its own network. Further details on the expected launch date will be announced as the licensing process progresses.