Nokia eyes Morocco's telecom sector
World telecom giant Nokia of Finland, which is bidding for the $500 million private GSM mobile phone license in Morocco, is determined to enhance its presence in the telecom market.
At a meeting held recently in Rabat with Moroccan Trade Minister Alami Tazi, top Nokia executives showed interest in the booming Moroccan telecom sector and voiced readiness to contribute to its development by providing advanced technology and adequate training.
Nokia, present in 180 countries, takes around 25% of the world mobile phone market.
Morocco, which counts 28 million inhabitants, has about 1.4 million subscribers and over 120,000 cellular phone clients.
To face growing phone demands, the North African country launched last year an international tender for a $500 million private mobile phone license.
About 15 foreign groups, including Spanish Telefonica, Portugal Telecom, and British Vodaphone Group showed interest in Morocco's private GSM phone licence.
Authorized Moroccan telecom sources said a shortlist of qualified telecom groups will be announced by middle of April.
