The Communications Regulatory Authority of Iran has announced that it has agreed in principle to issue 19 licenses to entities for operating as mobile virtual network operator. While a full list of license holders is unavailable, Tehran-based Internet Services Provider HiWEB has been named as one of the new licensees, alongside domestic financial institutions Saman Bank and Parsian Bank, according to Telegeorgraphy. Any would-be newcomers that fail to secure a wholesale deal with one of Iran’s mobile virtual network operators within six months will have their concessions rescinded. The CRA received MVNO applications from fixed line telcos, domestic banks and international operators, with no fewer than 32 companies from 18 countries submitting requests earlier this year. It has been previously reported at events related to the MVNO market that international brands like Lebara will be entering the market, as well as telecoms operators from Malaysia.
