Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ABUDHABI612
2009-06-16 13:21:00
CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Cable title:  

ETISALAT LOSES IRAN LICENSE OVER MANAGEMENT DISPUTE

Tags:  ECPS PGOV IR AE 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO0546
OO RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHDH RUEHDIR RUEHKUK RUEHTRO
DE RUEHAD #0612 1671321
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 161321Z JUN 09 ZDK
FM AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2613
INFO RUCNIRA/IRAN COLLECTIVE
RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 000612 

NOFORN
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARP, NEA/I, AND EEB/CIP/BA

E.O. 12958: 06/15/2019
TAGS: ECPS PGOV IR AE
SUBJECT: ETISALAT LOSES IRAN LICENSE OVER MANAGEMENT DISPUTE

CLASSIFIED BY AMBASSADOR RICHARD G. OLSON FOR REASONS 1.4 B AND D

REF: ABU DHABI 138

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 000612

NOFORN
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARP, NEA/I, AND EEB/CIP/BA

E.O. 12958: 06/15/2019
TAGS: ECPS PGOV IR AE
SUBJECT: ETISALAT LOSES IRAN LICENSE OVER MANAGEMENT DISPUTE

CLASSIFIED BY AMBASSADOR RICHARD G. OLSON FOR REASONS 1.4 B AND D

REF: ABU DHABI 138


1. (C) On June 14, Etisalat Chairman Mohammed Omran told the
Ambassador that Etisalat was declared disqualified for Iran's third
mobile license (reftel) after a dispute with its Iranian partner
(Tameen Telcom) over management control. Omran said Etisalat always
insists on management control of its foreign investments; a reclama
to Iranian authorities on Tameen Telcom's decision had failed.
Although Etisalat thought the results of the Iranian election could
affect its bid, Omran noted that Iran had already begun discussions
with other bidders.


2. (C) Omran told the Ambassador that Etisalat (Emirates
Telecommunications Corporation, www.etisalat.ae) was interested in
Iran given its large market size and low mobile and Internet
penetration. He said Etisalat had consulted with the UAE government
before bidding and was told that it could proceed with its "business
decision" to bid.


3. (C) Comment: While Iran's problematic relationship with the UAE
may have played a role in Iran's decision not to go with Etisalat,
Etisalat clearly remains interested in the license and disappointed
the deal has fallen through. There is no indication the UAEG
pressured Etisalat to pull out. End Comment.
OLSON