telecompaper 8-4-2013

Paltel to expand network this year

Monday 8 April 2013 | 10:54 CET | News Palestinian operator Paltel is planning to invest a total of USD 50 million in its fixed and mobile networks this year, CEO Ammar Aker told CommsMEA. The company will put USD 15-20 million into its mobile network, with USD 30-35 million earmarked for its fixed-line infrastructure, including the expansion of its fibre network. Paltel recently obtained most of the approvals required from Israeli authorities to expand its mobile network along main roads in Area C zones of the West Bank, and the operator hopes to start deploying the network infrastructure soon. The West Bank was divided into areas A, B and C by Israel. Area C accounts for almost 65 percent of the West Bank and is fully controlled by the Israeli authorities. The new sites will be along main roads including the road from Jerusalem to Ramallah and Jericho, which also leads to the Jordanian border. Coverage will also be extended to the road from Ramallah to Hebron