MINISTER: MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION OF ARMENIA TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT ORANGE ARMENIA IN ITS MARKET ENTRY
ARKA
Nov 6, 2009
YEREVAN, November 6. / ARKA /. Ministry of Transport and Communication
of Armenia will continue to assist Orange Armenia in the full output
of the local market, Minister of Transport and Communications Gurgen
Sargsyan said on Thursday during the presentation of the company.
According to him, the entry of the Orange Armenian company into the
Armenian market of cellular and broadband Internet promotes economic
development and telecommunications in the country, as well as the
development of friendly relations between Armenia and France.
He stressed that the company has already implemented investments
amounting to $ 90 million in Armenia, thus took a leading position
in the list of the largest taxpayers in Armenia.
"This demonstrates the serious intent of the company and its
contribution to further liberalization of the market as well as
improving the quality of communication," Sargsyan said.
Orange Armenian has already started operating in the country since
November 5. Orange is an international trademark and has been
registered in Armenia since 2001. It is the 100% daughter of France
Telecom (Orange trade mark).
Orange Armenia received the final license on November 19th 2008. The
license is granted for a term of 15 years, with the right of its
extension for another 15 years and the right to use radio frequencies
for 10 years.
The company is allowed to provide numbers with +374 (0) 55 and +374
(0) 95 codes and it has the right of numbers substitution for 10 years.
Tender Commission of Armenia announced the France Telecom company
(Orange trade mark) as the winner in the tender for the third mobile
operator in the country on October 7, 2008.
The company unveiled the biggest proposal for a GSM-license in the
amount of 51.5 million euros.
Orange Armenia begins work in Armenia with 83% coverage, providing
access to mobile networks and the Internet in 500 cities and villages
of the republic.
The company provides technology-based 2.5 G and 3G networks, as well
as access to the network 3G +. Roaming is available in 130 countries.
Prior to Orange Armenia, the Armenian market of cellular communication
was operated by two companies: ArmenTel, 100% owned by Russia’s
VimpelCom, and VivaCell-MTS, the controlling stake of which is held
by Russia’s MTS.