Egypt's software companies Hit 797 With L.E. 2.9 billion investments

Minister of Communications and Information Technology Ahmed Nazif said in a statement before the People's Assembly yesterday that Egypt is witnessing a big expansion in the communications sector, as there are 797 software companies whose investments hit L.E. 2.9 billion.

The number of telephone subscribers has risen to about 12 million compared to 4 million previously.

Speaking at the beginning of a debate on a draft communications law, the Minister said that the new bill aims at ensuring equal service for all citizens.

The bill aims at providing a climate of investments in the field of communications and the establishment of an Egyptian communications industry.

Majority representative in the Assembly, Hussein Megawer, said that the new bill keeps pace with the big development in the communications sector and aims at providing protection for citizens.

Representative of the opposition Tagammu Party, Khalad Mohie Eddin, said that the constitution and law should be respected and that a judicial permission should be obtained before tapping telephones.

The Assembly approved the new draft law in principle.