Etisalat-led Kanartel poised for early start on Sudan's second fixed line network

Kanartel won the Sudan contract just weeks ago with a euros45million bid. Mohammad H. Omran, Etisalat's Chief Executive Officer, said: "The Corporation is focused on delivering its commitments to develop Sudan's telecommunications infrastructure.

"The aim is to do it comprehensively and in a way that reflects information communication technology (ICT) evolution."

The National Telecommunication Commission (NTC), Sudan's regulatory authority, confirmed that the Corporation-led Kanartel would begin operations within a year. The scale of its activities will be gradually extended until it eventually covers the entire country.

Etisalat will manage, operate and maintain the Kanartel network while the Dubai-based Etisalat Academy will train and help develop Sudanese manpower so it rapidly becomes a resource that will contribute significantly to the business's staffing.

Mr. Omran said Kanartel would provide cutting-edge services based on the latest wireless, wired, satellite and radio technologies. The new company is committed to providing 500,000 fixed lines in its first year of operation.

He added: "We will deploy the full range of our advanced technologies to provide top class services for the people of Sudan. Kanartel will offer them choice while contributing to the development of communications in the country and increasing employment opportunities."

The 40 per cent Etisalat-owned Kanartel consortium won the Sudan licence in the face of stiff competition from rival companies and consortiums. Crucial to its victory were a comprehensive technical plan to roll out its cutting edge expertise, the offer of support from Etisalat and the evidence of the Corporation's ability to venture outside its home market provided by its recent win of the second Saudi GSM license. In addition the corporation holds shares in a number of telecommunication companies in the Arab World and Africa.

Mr. Omran added: "The second fixed line licence in Sudan is a huge success for our efforts to roll out our premium services and cutting-edge technology across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

"We have become a truly regional player and this latest market of operation can only strengthen our position as the leading communications operator in the region.