Tirana Times
TIRANA, September 8 – The country’s four mobile operators have called on government to review its decision on granting a single 3G licence, warning that a monopoly will be created.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, the four companies, AMC, Vodafone, Eagle Mobile and the newly launched Plus, suggested the granting of four 3G licences to promote competition and increase technology investments.
“It is very important that government demonstrates its political will to accelerate the widespread of 3G technology and open up the high speed internet market without creating unnecessary barriers,” said the statement.
The companies said that Albania currently ranks Europe’s last country as far as the spread 3G technology is concerned.
The four companies are also worried over the high 12.5 million euro tariff government has set for the provider of the service.
Their reaction came soon after the Innovation and IT Ministry approved the launch of race to grant the 3G licence in an effort to increase data transmission and internet speed in mobile phones.
The winner will be granted a 15-year licence in race with a floor price at 12.5 million euros, according to government sources.
Albanian internet users will be able to surf the web using the 3G technology within this year, the Electronic and Postal Communications Authority said recently after closing public consultations with interested companies.
According to the Authority, the launch of 3G, which refers to the third generation of mobile telephony technology, is necessary to further develop information technology and wireless internet in Albania.
Companies authorized to provide the service must be able to provide the service by the end of this year. The Authority expects the licenses will be granted within this autumn and service offered at the end of this year.
