Kuwait calls global innovators for development of telecom network
The fifty-year partnership agreement covers essential sites for network development, with the project company exempt from customs duties on construction-related materials for 15 years.
• The Public-Private Partnership Projects Authority has announced four qualified companies for the fixed telecommunications network development project, including firms from Bahrain, UAE, Italy, and Canada.
• The company will upgrade and enhance the fiber optic network in areas not yet covered within five years from the date of the partnership agreement, aiming to cover 90% of homes and businesses.
The Public-Private Partnership Projects Authority has invited qualified companies and alliances involved in the fixed telecommunications network development project to sign a confidentiality agreement and purchase the RFP documents, as they prepare to submit their bids for completing the project, Al Qabas newspaper reported.
The authority has unveiled the list of companies and alliances qualified to participate in the fixed telecommunications network development project. The list includes four major players, which are Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco), UAE’s e& International Holding Limited, in partnership with the Gulf Investment Corporation, Italy’s TIM Group, in alliance with Alghanim International Company and Brookfield Asset Management, Canada.
Terms of the agreement
The partnership stated that the Ministry of Transport will finalize the partnership contract with the project company in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 116 of 2014, concerning public-private sector partnerships and its executive regulations. The partnership agreement will span fifty years, including the construction period, and cover the necessary sites for the development and operation of the network.
It was also noted that the project company will be exempt from customs duties on all devices, machinery, equipment, and materials required for the construction of the project during the 15-year protection period, with a 100% exemption from the legally stipulated rate.
Fixed telecommunications infrastructure
The Fixed Telecommunications Network Development Project aims to establish a partnership between the public and private sectors to develop fixed telecommunications networks. This includes designing, financing, building, operating, maintaining, and transferring ownership of the network in Kuwait.
The project company will manage the current network of the ‘Transportation’ and work to improve and expand coverage in areas that have not yet been served.
Enhancing fiber optic network
The company will upgrade and enhance the fiber optic network in areas not yet covered within five years from the date of the partnership agreement, aiming to cover 90 percent of homes and businesses.
