OTMT Seeks Regulatory Nod to Extend License for Mena Cable

Egypt’s telecom watchdog stated that Orascom Telecom Media and Technology Holding (OTMT.CA) is seeking to extend the license for its long submarine communications cable system Middle East and North Africa for Sea Cables (“MENA”).

Mr. Hesham El Alaily – the Chairman of the National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (NTRA) – said the authority will be holding a meeting within the coming few days over extending the license for OTMT’s Mena Cable.

Mr.  El Alaily further told Amwal Al Ghad that OTMT has recently reached a deal with Telecom Egypt (ETEL.CA) and the country’s transportation ministry over the remaining part of the cable inside the Egyptian territory.

Karim Bishara, CEO of OTMT had previously asserted to Amwal Al Ghad that his firm will not sell its long submarine communications cable system Middle East and North Africa for Sea Cables (MENA). He indicated that OTMT plans to continue its investments in MENA cable despite the current obstacles in Egypt.

Bishara also said the MENA cable extends over 8800 km linking Italy, Saudi Arabia, Oman and India, passing through Egypt. The cable infrastructure, together with the existing cables, covers current and future international communications requirements between Egypt, the Arab World & India and Europe, reducing the cost of these services for the Egyptian user, and further providing alternative paths to circumvent internet outages.