Optimum Telecom Algerie (formerly Orascom Telecom Algeria [OTA]), operating as Djezzy, is aiming to launch 4G LTE services in Algeria this autumn, according to an investment report by Egypt-based parent Global Telecom Holding (GTH, renamed in September 2013 from Orascom Telecom Holding [OTH]).
As previously reported by TeleGeography’s CommsUpdate, in early January the regulator invited all interested parties to apply for participation in the country’s 4G licence auction, with a deadline of 11 April for submitting bids. In the event, the Regulatory Authority for Post and Telecommunications (Autorite de Regulation de la Poste et des Telecoms, ARPT) accepted the three bids submitted by Algerie Telecom Mobile (Mobilis), OTA and Ooredoo Algeria by stating that the applications were ‘admissible’. Following the evaluation of the three technical offers, the 4G concessions were awarded to all applicants in May 2016.