Jordan seeks new operators in spectrum tender

News Wireless Jordan 6 DEC 2012
Jordan seeks new operators in spectrum tender
Jordan has announced plans for a major tender of mobile spectrum, with the aim introducing a new operator on the market. The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission announced plans for a tender of 1.8, 2.1, 2.3 and 2.6 GHz frequencies and said there will be an opportunity for the entry of one new mobile operator and one new wireless broadband provider. Expressions of interest to participate in the tender should be submitted by 17 January 2013, although the TRC left open the possibility of other parties joining the tender after further details are released. 

It set prices of JOD 32.5 million for 2x5MHz in the 1,800 MHz band, which can be used for 2G, 3G or 4G services; JOD 25 million for 2x5MHz in the 2100 MHz band, which is reserved for 3G services; JOD 2 million for 5MHz in the 2300 MHz band for fixed wireless broadband; JOD 10.8 million for 5MHz in the 2300 MHz band for 4G mobile services; and JOD 18.75 million for 2x5MHz in the 2600MHz band for 4G services. 

There are currently three mobile operators in Jordan - Orange Jordan, Umniah and Zain Jordan, with Umniah the last to introduce 3G services this summer. Kulacom, Umniah and Zain, in cooperation with Mada Communications, also offer Wimax services. 

According to the latest figures from the TRC, there were just over 4 million internet users in Jordan at the end of September, equal to a penetration of 63 percent of the population. Internet subscriptions were much lower, at just under 875,000. Mobile broadband was by far the most popular technology used, with over 556,000 subscribers, while Wimax accounted for just over 100,000 subscribers. 

Categories:

Mobile,  Wireless

Companies:

Orange Jordan,  Umniah,  Zain Jordan,  TRC,  Mada Communications

Countries:

Jordan

Tags:

Government telecommunications licensing, 3G, GSM - 2G, Wireless, Wimax, 4G - LTE

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