Ooredoo Launches 3G Services in Algeria:

Ooredoo says that it has launched its 3G network in Algeria this week, just hours after it was granted a 3G license by the regulator.

Coverage is initially available in ten major cities across the country. Customers will however need a second 3G-enabled number from Ooredoo, and add it to their existing SIM card.

Joseph Ged, CEO, Ooredoo Algeria, said: "We're proud to say that our 3G network went live within 10 days of finalising the licensing process and within twelve hours of receiving final approval from the regulator."

Ooredoo now offers customers a range of weekly, monthly and special mobile Internet packages, including a new "Unlimited Internet data offer", the first of its kind in Algeria.

Safaricom Secured Partial 3G License Fee Refund:

Kenya's Safaricom had won a long running legal dispute over the price it paid for its 3G license back in 2007.

The dispute stems from a later decision by the telecoms regulator to award 3G licenses to its rivals, Airtel and Telkom at a lower fee. Safaricom paid Sh2.2 billion (US$25 million) for its license, but the other networks paid Sh 800 million (US$10 million) for their licenses.

Under the terms of the settlement, which was agreed earlier this year and only revealed in the company's 2013 annual report, Safaricom will reduce its overall license fee payments over the next three years to recover the difference.

The regulator had argued that the later licenses are technically different and so the prices could be set at a lower rate to stimulate competition in the market. It not unusual for later entrants to be offered a lower price on licenses, as they have lost the early mover advantage in the market.

Safaricom has launched legal action over the license fee dispute in late 2011. However, the two sides settled out of court earlier this year.