Starcomm Limited has applied to become Nigeria's third national telecom carrier, it was reported Thursday.
Chief Executive Officer Maher Quiban told reporters in Lagos this week that the application to the Nigerian Communications Commission had attracted strong interest from foreign investment firms seeking to get into the telecom sector.
Outside investments totaling more than $15 million enabled Starcomm to pay the required fees to the NCC for a unified license, the newspaper This Day reported.
Quiban also said discussions were continuing with major African and Middle East communications companies anxious to take advantage of new regulations governing investment in Nigeria's growing telecom sector.
This Day said the government is requiring new national telecoms to extend service to Nigeria's six political zones and allows companies to provide wireless and Internet products along with fixed-line service.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International
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