Romania’s Ministry of Information Society (MCSI) has awarded Romtelecom and Cosmote a licence to build a telecom network in more disadvantaged parts of the country.
Mediafax reports that the contract to construct what is known as ‘RO-NET’ is worth RON365.8 million (€83.1 million) including VAT.
In winning the contract, the two companies beat off a joint bid from Direct One-Electrogrup and UPC Romania-Deloitte Audit-Connection Consulting.
Romtelecom will provide the design, construction and operation of broadband communication networks in what are termed regions 1,2 and 3 for RON156.7 million.
Meanwhile, Cosmote will do the same, for RON209.1 million, in regions 4, 5, 6 and 7.
Completion of the network, which will cover 400,000 inhabitants living in 137,000 households, is scheduled for 2015.
Romtelecom and Cosmote are licensed to operate the network for 18 years.