Included in the Alem acquisition are WiMAX networks in six cities and 2.5/2.6GHz spectrum, which could also be used for LTE services.
The KazTransCom transaction comes through an in principle agreement with Visor Group, in which both companies would make indirect minority investments in the company. TeliaSonera will also be given the option to increase its indirect ownership of the company in the future.
“I am very pleased that we have been able to reach agreement in relation to these important transactions. They will be crucial for Kcell’s continued leadership in the rapidly growing mobile data sector and reaffirm our strategic commitment to developing mobile technologies and services in Kazakhstan,” said Tero Kivisaari, president of Eurasia at TeliaSonera.
KazTransCom’s assets include a nationwide fibre network on which TeliaSonera’s local subsidiary Kcell has also signed a five year lease agreement for backbone capacity.
Kivisaari said that through the investment TeliaSonera has secured further backbone capacity for Kcell at competitive prices. He described the deal as “a very important factor for future competitiveness as data volumes continue to grow rapidly”.
