MTC Atheer announces GSM network launch in Baghdad

Iraqi mobile operator MTC Atheer last week announced the launch of its GSM network services in Baghdad. The cellco, a 50:50 Iraqi-Kuwaiti joint venture, already operates a GSM network covering the southern region of Iraq which was rolled out under a December 2003 agreement with the Ministry of Telecoms. Its licence conditions stipulated that the regional network be completed before MTC Atheer could extend services to the capital. The company claims a customer base of over 300,000 in southern Iraq and provides voice, SMS and GPRS services.