Azerbaijan, Baku, Nov. 6 / Trend Capital H. Valiyev /

The frequency resources used for TV and radio programs broadcasting will be given to mobile operators to deploy 3G network, Communications and IT Minister Ali Abbasov said at a press conference at New Azerbaijan Party's headquarter today.

The minister said that a part of the frequency resources necessary for the deployment of 3G network has been available for a cable operator BBTV. According to the conditions, it left them vacant.

"Today, we are negotiating on allocation of frequency resources to Azercell and Azerfon companies. They will launch 3G for their subscribers," the minister said.

The official cost of the license fixed by the government is 11,000 manat.

National operators declared their readiness to deploy next-generation network in 2006. But everything depends on the fact that the state will allocate the necessary radio frequency resources, and give licenses. All three GSM operators (Bakcell, Azercell, and Azerfon) plan to be licensees.

The operators have a large subscriber base, ready network and network infrastructure. They will fully meet the requirements put forward towards a licensee.

Operators, having got a license, will have to invest greatly in infrastructure. Companies will have to modernize all network equipment, all switches, each base station.

Operators will develop its network of Baku. There is the highest penetration of mobile communication here. Operators will rapidly return their investments due to a rather large subscriber base. At present, all three operators have already launched test zones by providing intra-service for their employees.

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