Sudatel launches Senegal’s third mobile network

Sudanese telecoms operator Sudatel has launched Senegal’s third mobile network under the banner Expresso. The newcomer is using CDMA technology and plans to connect three million subscribers to its mobile network and 150,000 subscribers to its fixed wireless system. According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms database, Sudatel was awarded a new comprehensive telecoms services licence in Senegal in September 2007. Its winning bid of XOF96 billion (USD200 million) beat off competition from eleven other companies, including the Kuwaiti-owned Celtel Group (now Zain) and Bintel of Saudi Arabia. Sudatel is competing with Senegalese incumbents Tigo Senegal (formerly SENTEL.gsm) and Orange Senegal (formerly Sonatel Mobiles). Its concession will also allow it to provide fixed line and internet services, head to head with France Telecom-backed former monopoly Sonatel.