France Telecom- Orange has launched a joint venture with Investec Tunisia to launch operations for Tunisia’s first 3G network, at a cost of around €500 million.
The France Telecom unit’s 3G network will be operational from start, covering major cities in Tunisia, with overall coverage set to be achieved by the end of the year, according to Global Telecoms Business.
Through this partnership, Orange Tunisia will offer mobile and fixed broadband services through nine shops and 400 distribution outlets throughout the country.
According to France Telecom chairman, Didier Lombard, the joint-venture “brings together a strong local actor with a global operator”, making it the first venture of its kind for the French operator in Northern Africa.
France Telecom holds 49% in Orange Tunisia. Its local partner, Divona Telecom, is owned by Investec, the Tunisian unit of privately-held Mabrouk group. Besides Orange Tunisia, the French carrier has shares in Egyptian mobile operator Mobinil.
