The ATRA is presently assessing bids from the three companies which are thought to be Sahar 3G, Toseye Eatemad Mobin and Shezai Tel USA.
It is understood that the country’s three existing GSM operators; Roshan, MTN and Etisalat, have been given the opportunity to match the winning bid to also upgrade their licences to include 3G services. This could potentially see five 3G licence holders operating in the country by the end of 2012.
UAE operator Etisalat announced plans in April for a $100 million investment in Afghanistan for the next two years in an effort to double its subscribers in the country.
