RCom to invest Rs 2,000 cr in Uganda

Mumbai, Feb 21 (UNI) Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group promoted Reliance Communications (RCom) today said that it will invest Rs 2,000 crore (500 mn USD) for establishing a high quality internet protocol (IP) enabled integrated telecom network in Uganda.

Marking the first step in the international mobile market, the group has acquired Uganda-based Anupam Global Soft for the project, a company holding public infrastructure provider license (PIPL), issued by Uganda Communications Commission. The acquisition was made through a subsidiary of RCom, the company said in a communique to BSE.

''Under the existing licenses, RCom targets to offer mobile, fixed line, internet, national and international long distance services, in addition to WiMax and Wifi services in Uganda,'' RCom said.

The Uganda-based company has received spectrum allocation and plans to launch its mobile services by end of 2008.

The company global business President Punit Garg said, ''Uganda telecom market is similar to what India was eight years back. Our expertise in managing among worlds largest integrated telecom network, and deep understanding of diverse consumer segments makes us confident to achieve a significant position to add further value for our two million shareholders.'' The Company plans to connect the African continent with the rest of the world by laying a submarine cable system through its subsidiaries and to spend USD 1.5 billion (Rs 6,000 crore) in building a 1,15,000 km fully-IP enabled optic network to reach two third of world population, the company added.

UNI PP SR SKB1608