Barcelona, March 4 (SANA) – Syria’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology announced the launch of an international tender for a new mobile network operator license valid for 20 years, as part of a broader reform program aimed at modernizing the telecommunications sector and strengthening regional digital connectivity.
The announcement was made by Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdul Salam Haykal during the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona.
The licensing process will remain open until June 15, with full application documents issued by the ministry in Damascus.
Haykal said the initiative is designed to improve telecommunications services across Syria and attract major global investors committed to supporting the country’s long-term digital development.
The new license will replace the current MTN Syria license and combines an existing operational business with a long-term concession to build next-generation mobile infrastructure across the country.
Transition and market structure
According to the ministry, Syria will maintain a two-operator market for a five-year transition period, during which MTN Syria will continue providing services until the new operator fully assumes operations to ensure uninterrupted service for subscribers.
The winning operator will take over the existing subscriber base and infrastructure while leading nationwide network expansion and modernization.
Advanced spectrum allocation
The license includes access to key frequency bands such as 800 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz, enabling deployment of advanced mobile broadband technologies including 5G.
Officials said the spectrum package is designed to support broad nationwide coverage, particularly in rural areas, while preparing the network for future technologies beyond 5G.
The new operator will also include a 25 percent stake held by Syria’s sovereign fund, with the remaining ownership open to the winning consortium.
Sector reform and digital connectivity
The ministry described the licensing initiative as a central component of Syria’s broader telecommunications reform agenda and economic recovery strategy.
The project is also linked to the SilkLink regional fiber-optic initiative, supported by Saudi Arabia’s STC, which aims to expand international data connectivity and position Syria as a regional digital transit corridor linking neighboring markets.
Officials said the new mobile license and the SilkLink project together form the foundation of Syria’s long-term digital infrastructure strategy.
