Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08DOHA676
2008-09-21 13:55:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Doha
Cable title:
CONSORTIUM TELEPHONE LICENSE WIN ENDS LOCAL
how-toVZCZCXRO7750 PP RUEHDE RUEHDIR DE RUEHDO #0676 2651355 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 211355Z SEP 08 FM AMEMBASSY DOHA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8239 INFO RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS DOHA 000676
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECPS EINV BTIO QA
SUBJECT: CONSORTIUM TELEPHONE LICENSE WIN ENDS LOCAL
FIXED-LINE MONOPOLY
REF: 2007 DOHA 1174
UNCLAS DOHA 000676
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECPS EINV BTIO QA
SUBJECT: CONSORTIUM TELEPHONE LICENSE WIN ENDS LOCAL
FIXED-LINE MONOPOLY
REF: 2007 DOHA 1174
¶1. (SBU) U.K.-based Vodafone and its local partner, the Qatar
Foundation (QF),won Qatar's second fixed-line telephone
license September 15, ending government monopoly QTel's
monopoly of the sector. The same Vodafone-QF consortium was
awarded Qatar's second mobile license in December 2007 (see
reftel). Local telecommunications regulator ictQatar did not
reveal how much the consortium paid for either license. Both
services are expected to begin in 2009 (mobile service on or
before March 1).
¶2. (SBU) Comment: QF is a semi-governmental non-profit
organization run by the Amir's wife. Its role in the winning
consortium for both the mobile and fixed telephone licenses
casts doubt on the government's stated goal of liberalizing
the telecommunications sector.
LeBaron