Investcom launches Sudan phone network

Investcom Holding, the Beirut-based international telecommunications company, has launched its Areeba network in Sudan to become the second mobile phone operator in the country after Mobitel.

Investcom now operates mobile networks in eight markets.

Azmi Mikati, chief executive of Investcom, said, "We are pleased to mark the launch of the Areeba network in Sudan, where we have worked hard to build a superior GSM network and soon one that also offers 3G services. We look to be a strong second operator and aim to steadily gain market share by offering the highest quality service and overall customer experience."

Beginning in Khartoum, the Areeba mobile phone service will be rolled out step by step across the country over the next three years as the first of several longer-term targets. Total capacity of the GSM network is set to reach 750,000 people by the end of 2005, while this network will be augmented by the deployment of 3G services during this quarter.

Investcom Holding has a 55 per cent ownership stake in Bashair Telecommunications Co, which in October was awarded a 15-year licence to build and operate a GSM mobile network in Sudan.

Investcom Holding (Luxembourg) SA is an international telecommunications company with operations in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. As of July 2005, Investcom provided services to over 3.1 million mobile subscribers. The company operates GSM networks mostly under the Areeba brand.