Tunisiana back to the negotiating table for 3G licence

Tunisia’s ICT minister, Mongi Marzouk has rejected Tunisiana’s bid to acquire licences for 3G and fixed line services, reports Tunisia Live. Tunisiana was the only eligible bidder for the concessions, entering a bid of TND125 million (USD81.82 million) and TND36 million for the 3G and fixed authorisations respectively. However, the Qatar-backed operator appears to have fallen short of the ICT ministry’s undisclosed minimum price: the ministry has kept its base price secret to avoid the telco entering the lowest acceptable price. Regardless of disagreement over the cost of the concessions, the ministry has accepted Tunisiana’s technical proposals and rollout plans. Tunisana’s director Kenneth Campbell said that the company will adjust and renew its offer.