Algerie Telecom to Launch Fixed Mode 4G LTE by End-2013

Algeria’s state-owned telco Algerie Telecom (AT) has launched an auction for the deployment of a fixed mode 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. AT Group CEO Azouaou Mehmel said in an interview with Algerie Press Service (APS) that commercial LTE technology will be introduced by the end of 2013, and business customers will be the initial target group because of the high cost, although the network will be expanded gradually to the general public. Mr. Mehmel also added that the tender for the acquisition of equipment is for an estimated EUR40 million (USD53.42 million) to EUR50 million. The company is also planning to significantly increase the download speeds of internet connections by 2014.