Wasel Telecom

active

In May 2006, Afghanistan Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ATRA) awarded the first LFSP (Local Fixed Service Provider) license to build, own and operate communications services in northern Afghanistan to UAE based Modern Technology International FZCO (MTI). The license allowed MTI to provide mobile, fixed- line and data services to eight provinces in northern Afghanistan namely – Balkh, Kunduz, Jawzjan, Samangan, Baghlan, Takhar, Badakhsahn and Faryab. The population in the license area was estimated at seven million in 2006. Information on the term of the license was not available. MTI established a subsidiary, Wasel Telecom, to implement the project. Information on the process used by ATRA to award this project was not available. MTI planned to invest US$ 25 million (Dh91 million) during the first three years to build the network. There was no information on how much MTI paid ATRA, if any, for the LFSP license. Wasel Telecom was expected to launch commercial operations before the end of 2006.