Foreign troops are the big spenders in Afghan mobile networks. Possibly more browsing rather than talking have been keeping half dozen mobile operators happy. Not anymore. Operators are tightening belt as the soldiers are packing. Up to 40% of the market value will evaporate as the western military transporters load of soldiers take-off.
Under such conditions ‘it doesn’t make sense to support five-to-six mobile operators’, Mr Khoja noted, adding that he expects state-owned Salaam, the newest entrant to the market, to be the first to be snapped up. Whilst the official did not reveal any specific plans for Roshan, Mr Khoja did say that the firm would not be leaving Afghanistan, but is ‘probably going to be a consolidator in this market.’ The official added that the process of consolidation may be problematic, however, as ‘there is no regulator of any competence’ in Afghanistan.
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