Incumbent fixed line operator Hondutel expects to launch a limited mobility service based on PHS technology within 30 days, an executive for the company told BNamericas. The service will launch in Tegucigalpa with a capacity for 25,000 and after two to three months it will become available in San Pedro Sula, also with a capacity of 25,000 users. According to TeleGeography¨s GlobalComms database, the telco¨s fixed line client base stood at 530,000 at the end of 2006.

Honduran daily La Prensa reports that the company has USD130 million saved in foreign bank accounts, but experts believe it will need USD400 million to launch a full mobile network, and as such a partner will be required. The operator is under increasing pressure to launch full mobile services because the government is making progress with its plans to auction the country''s fourth mobile licence. Regulatory body Conatel expects to award the concession in December 2007.


Source: telegeography

Tags:PHS