The General Posts and
Telecommunications Company (GPTC) is the national operator and regulator for all
telecommunications services. As a government department, GPTC has no administrative and
financial autonomy. The separation of postal and telecommunications functions has not yet
been carried out. There is no known government policy for the development and
liberalisation of the telecommunications sector.
Alcatel
has been awarded a $70 million contract by the General Post and Telecommunications Company
of Libya to supply and install the first fibre optic submarine telecommunications system.
The Libya Fibre Optic Network will span over 1,600 km in 11 separate links to the Libyan
towns and cities.
GPTC became an investor in Thuraya Satellite
Telecommunications Satellite in October 1997 when it acquired a five percent
stake worth US$ 25 million. In October 1999, Thuraya and GPTC signed an agreement which
will provide the Libyan national telecom with all rights to distribute and market
Thuraya's services and products in that country.
Cellular network
A GSM cellular network was launched
in 1997, and the network services are offered by El Madar Telephone Company (Orbit
Telecom), a subsidiary of GPTC, under an unlimited licence covering the coastal
zone, Zuwarah, Tripoli, and Al Uarabutti. A US$ 45 million contract for GSM network in the
coastal zone was signed by Orbit telecom and Ericsson.
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