The winners in the tender for two wireless frequency bands will pay a total of NIS 1,415 million, above all expectations.
Mirs Communications Ltd., controlled by Patrick Drahi, and 018 Xfone Communications Ltd., controlled by Hezi Bezalel's Marathon Telecom Ltd., have won the Ministry of Communications tender for two wireless frequency bands. Mirs will pay NIS 710 million and 018 Xfone NIS 705 million, after beating Golan Telecom Ltd. And Select Communications Ltd. in a tough pricing process that lasted from 10:00 am this morning until well into the evening.
The winning bids exceed all expectations. The bidders were allowed to improve their bids by NIS 5 million every ten minutes.
The tender is the most important step the Ministry of Communications has undertaken under minister Moshe Kahlon. The state offered two frequency bands for two new wireless carriers using third generation technology.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on April 11, 2011
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