Qatar-backed cellco Tunisiana has announced the launch of its 3G network, becoming the last of the nation’s trio of providers to offer the service. CommsMEA reports that the network’s footprint currently covers 48% of the population – in Tunis, Sfax, Sousse, Djerba, Cap Bon, Hammarnet and Nabeul – but the cellco expects to have completed work expanding the network to 71% of the population by the end of the year and reach 87% in early 2013. The HSPA+ network operates in the 900MHz and 2100MHz frequency bands.
Commenting on the launch, Tunisiana’s CEO Ken Campbell said: ‘With this network, we are able to provide a quality 3G offering that will deliver the best customer experience in Tunisia. Most importantly, Tunisiana will continue its tradition of providing affordable, flexible offerings for all Tunisians, including the lowest price 3G handset.’ Tunisiana’s offerings start at TND2 (USD1.22) for 500MB of data, with handsets available from TND99. As previously noted by CommsUpdate, Tunisiana received its 3G concession in early May 2012, after a bid in late April was deemed to be too low by the Tunisian ICT ministry.