ElCat

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 Established in 1994 in Kyrgyzstan, ElCat (“ElCat” or the “company” https://elcat.kg/en/) is one of the largest alternative broadband providers in the country with a terrestrial fiber network of approximately 3,500 km. The company provides communication channels, network solutions, fiber optic installation and internet access services to large companies, small and medium enterprises, government organizations, all cellular operators of Kyrgyzstan and large international organizations. The company is also provider of international internet traffic to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China.ElCat installs and maintains overhead (58%) and underground (42%) fiber optic cables and relevant equipment (e.g., communication nodes). ElCat undertakes all installations and maintenance of infrastructure with direct employees, with no use of contractors.As part of the proposed investment, IFC is considering providing a US$3.0 million senior loan. The proceeds will be used to finance the deployment of additional fiber optic cable (FOC) network for (i) last-mile access networks used by internet service providers for providing fixed broadband connectivity to retail subscribers; and (ii) fiber to the tower connections to base station transceivers of domestic mobile network operators (the project). All fiber-optic communication line networks will be installed on or along existing infrastructure (power distribution lines or other utilities).