Asiacell boosts network coverage

Asiacell, Iraq’s second largest cellco by subscribers, has built 100 communication towers in the country in one month to boost network coverage. ‘We are very proud of our success in building 100 communication towers. We expect that this accomplishment will yield great benefits to the Iraqi people, and we promise to continue our work unwaveringly regardless of the obstacles in our path,’ said Hawdang Baban, Asiacell’s project management manager, adding: ‘We look forward to seeing the government take a more supportive role of not only Asiacell, but also of all those who contribute to building the new Iraq.’ Last month the government fined Asiacell around USD1.1 million for poor service provision, stating that the company had infringed its contract and the network rollout conditions specified under the terms of its operating licence, which involves the improvement of the level of services. The cabinet also fined rival mobile operators Zain Iraq and Korek Telecom USD18 million and USD1.1 million respectively for continuously failing to meet minimum standards of service.