Negotiation with Zain for third operator project wastes time: telecommunication committee head

These negotiations have not reached to precise result, a Zain-Iran consortium official said.

“Currently telecommunication ministry is negotiating with Zain-Iran consortium to determine third operator tender winner. Because of high difference between Tamin-Etisalat consortium proposition and Zain-Iran consortium proposition, negotiation with this consortium faces new problems and it can not be assumed as winner,” Ali Motahari told Iran’s mobile news agency (MOBNA).
“Because of high price difference of third winner in comparison with second and first winners, it is better that third operator tender to be held again,” he said.
“Surveillance bodies follow tender steps and communication ministry will control tender process precisely,” he continued.
Tamin-Etisalat consortium compromises of emirates Etisalat and Tamin Telecom company was selected as third operator tender winner. Telecommunication ministry officials believe that Tamin-Etisalat consortium could not use its opportunity to invest in Iran.
It was planned that third operator to attract 17 million subscribers and to pay 16 trillion rials to government during 15 years.
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