MTC's operation in Sudan, Mobitel signs 78 million euro network expansion deal

Khalid Muhtadi, General Manager of Mobitel said,

"We have started by addressing the most critical asset in Mobitel which is the network. With this expansion we will be able to serve an additional 1.5 million customers as planned by end of 2006 and we intend to further expand network capacity by an additional 1 million by the first quarter of 2007."

In February 2006, MTC acquired the remaining 61% of Mobitel in Sudan for US$1.33 billion, increasing its previously owned stake of 39% of the operator to 100%. Mobitel is the leading mobile operator in Sudan, with 2 million customers, representing an 85% market share.

"Over the next 3 to 5 years, US$500 million will be invested in Mobitel's network to support a targeted customer base of 7 million by 2008", added Muhtadi.

Sudan, which is passing through a period of rapid growth, has long been in need of infrastructure upgrades in the telecom sector. Mobitel is now the 2nd largest operation within MTC Group in terms of revenues and profitability - MTC Kuwait holds the lead.

Together MTC and its subsidiary Celtel (which has operations in 13 sub-Saharan African countries) are combining their extensive experience in the Middle East and Africa to bring new products and services as well as state-of-the-art technology to Mobitel customers.

Muhtadi concluded, "Our goal is to be Sudan's leading driver of economic growth and a major contributor to the community. Today we are in the process of establishing the Mobitel Social Development Fund with a budget of $5 million that will oversee contributions to health, education and human resource development."