Haiti - Telecommunication : Comcel invests $40MM for its 3G mobile network
The Conseil National des Télécommunications (CONATEL) has authorized COMCEL (Communications Cellulaires S.A.) to upgrade its current GSM network (Global System for Mobile Communications) to a mobile telecommunication network of third generation (3G).
The COMCEL committed as part of an addendum to its contract signed on August 8, 2005, to upgrade its current GSM network to a mobile telecommunication network of third generation (3G) in accordance with the principles of equity , transparency and non discrimination and in conformity with the conditions established by regulation. For this, the COMCEL will invest $40 million over three years to realize and maintain a 3G mobile phone service in the ten departments of the country.
The third generation (3G) cellular systems is a generation of mobile systems labeled IMT 2000 by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This system allows for faster communications services including voice, fax, internet anywhere and at any time. ITU IMT-2000 is the international standard for 3G that has opened the door to new applications and services such as the multimedia entertainment and the localization of the services.
This authorization of the Comcel is part of a package of measures adopted by the Regulator that must accompany the entry of NATCOM (formerly TELECO) in the market of the Telecommunications in Haiti in order to ensure the principle of equal treatment of operators of the same type contained in the licenses and prevent any distortion that may affect the reliability of the existing competitive environment and the legal framework of the sector.
