Wataniya continues in efforts to expand network to Gaza

Palestinian cellco, Wataniya Mobile plans to expand its network out of the West Bank and into Gaza in 2012, but says that it is being hampered by difficulties in securing radio spectrum from Israel.

According to the cellco’s CEO Bassam Hanoun, the company is looking to introduce 34 services during 2013.

Earlier this year, Hanoun said the cellco has already ordered equipment from network vendor Ericsson, and plans to invest around US$60 million in Gaza.

Wataniya Mobile successfully launched operations within the West Bank in November 2009, three years after winning a competitive bid for its licence. The launch was held up by delays in receiving access to the radio spectrum from the Israeli authorities.

Wataniya Mobile is estimated to have had around 433,000 subscribers in Palestine as at the end of September 2011, representing a market share of around 15 per cent.