Top operators decline 4G deal

EGYPT’S three established mobile phone operators have declined to buy fourthgeneration (4G) service licences, two Egyptian telecoms officials said yesterday. The companies, Vodafone, Orange and Etisalat, did not respond to repeated requests for comment. The officials declined to be named as no official announcement has been made. The Egyptian government is selling four 4G licenses as part of a longawaited plan to reform the telecoms sector and yesterday was the deadline for the three mobile companies to respond to the government’s offer. Egypt gave companies that already operate in the country priority in obtaining 4G licences but has said it would launch an international tender should any of them decline the offer. – Reuters