The CIT Ministry has no plans to license a fifth mobile network operator provided all three existing operators and new market entrant Telecom Egypt acquire integrated telecom and 4G licenses, CIT Minister Yasser El Kady told Al Masry Al Youm. If the MNOs don’t apply for 4G licenses, the CIT Ministry will tender the license to regional and international operators, he added, referring to Zain’s request to apply to offer 4G services in Egypt, as we noted last week.

But to stay on the safe side, the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has set the terms and conditions for foreign companies looking to bid, a government source tells Al Borsa. Naturally, the terms stipulate that the foreign companies must pay for the license fully in USD, as opposed to 50% for local operators. Foreign applicants will also be offered an international gateway license, a landline connection licence, and a license to provide ADSL services. The winner of a 4G license will also have the right to offer 2G and 3G service, the source added.