By the end of this year, Belgian government will issue a fourth mobile telecoms licence in an effort to spur further competition. As a result, a newcomer could in principle begin operating in 2010.
According to Anne Everard, vice director in charge of communications for Economy Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne, “Operators have indicated interest and we have had a lot of discussions recently with them.”
From what we’ve heard, cable operators Telenet and Voo are among the potential bidders, possibly together. Both companies, have already signed MVNO deals to offer mobile services via the networks of established players.
Belgium’s existing mobile operators — Belgacom’s Proximus, France Telecom-owned Mobistar, and Dutch KPN Telecom’s Base — will not be allowed to bid. The government hopes to raise at least 40 million euros ($53.62 million) from the new license…
[Via: Reuters]