(SinoCast via NewsEdge) China Telecom, the country's biggest fixed-line telecom carrier, has participated in the bidding for the fixed-line telecom license in Saudi Arabia, officials said.
Saudi Arabia's communication and information technology committee also said China Telecom will have to battle it out with 9 other bidders.
The committee said the other bidders include Verizon, Worldcall of Pakistan, MTNL of India, Hong Kong's PCCW, and Korea Telecom, among others.
The bidding is intended to break the monopoly in the fixed-line telecom industry in Saudi Arabia, officials said.
China Telecom has not responded to the interview requirement by the media, and its listed subsidiary has not been reached for comment either.
Earlier reports said China Telecom would acquire MTN of South Africa, although the carrier denied the reports, saying only that it will still focus on overseas expansion in the coming years.
Analysts said Chinese carriers will look at emerging markets in Asia, Africa and Latin America as targets for expansion.
Telecom revenues in Saudi Arabia are principally sourced from mobile services, which contribute 74% or $6.73 billion, while fixed-line services generate revenues of $2.4 billion.
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