Mobile Network Maintenance in Sinai Remains ‘Inoperative’ Since Military Crackdown

Official sources working for local mobile phone operators have revealed that network maintenance and operations in Sinai remained inoperative over the last three months, in the aftermath of starting Egyptian military crackdown against Jihadists in lawless Sinai. 

The sources added to Amwal Al Ghad that the three mobile phone operators have reduced the ration of maintenance works and networks installation especially in North-Sinai.

They further pointed out that due to insecurity concerns, the employees were forced to postpone any maintenance plans, putting into consideration that internet and mobile services would have reversely been affected.

It is worth noting that Vodafone Egypt won uncontested tender which offered by the National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (NTRA) to cover South-Sinai region with mobile phone services.

Eng. Hesham Alayli, CEO of NTRA, said Vodafone Egypt has targeted to obtain licenses in order to cover South-Sinai region, according to the submitted bid by NTRA, the two other operators did not submit to the tender, so Vodafone won the uncontested.

Alayli has emphasized in a previous exclusive to Amwal Al Ghad that NTRA will review the submitted offer from Vodafone after demanding from South-Sinai governorate to increase the suggested places so as to increase the covering, noting that NTRA may resort to offer other tender in order to permit more opportunities.