Syria has awarded Zain Group the country's second mobile telecommunications licence, marking a major step in efforts to modernise the sector and expand fifth-generation (5G) services, SANA reported on July 1, citing the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.

Kuwaiti telecoms group Zain said it had secured a 25-year licence to operate a mobile network in Syria after winning a competitive tender with a $747mn bid. The company said it will establish a new operating entity in which it will hold a 75% stake, while a Syrian government entity will own the remaining 25%.

Zain expects to launch commercial services under the Zain Syria brand in the first quarter of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals. During a six-month transition period, the company will work with Syria's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and MTN to ensure continuity of services for the country's 6.3mn mobile subscribers.

Zain Vice Chairman and Group Chief Executive Bader Nasser Al Kharafi said the company was committed to a long-term partnership with Syria.

"I was honoured to meet with the President of Syria, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, during which I reiterated that Zain’s entry into the Syrian market represents more than a strategic business expansion; it shows our deep confidence in Syria’s future, the capabilities of its people, and its development ambitions," Al Kharafi said.

"I also conveyed Zain Group’s commitment to being a true partner in supporting Syria’s digital transformation and economic growth through investing in local talent, advancing digital infrastructure, and supporting SMEs and government entities through advanced AI-powered digital solutions that will serve generations to come.” Al Kharafi added.

He confirmed that the company would leverage its operational expertise and 5G capabilities to build a modern telecommunications operator to international standards while accelerating the rollout of fifth-generation services across Syria.

He also said Zain aims to help position Syria as "a digital gateway for the region", supporting the digital economy, attracting investment and expanding digital and commercial connectivity.

Communications and Information Technology Minister Abdul Salam Haykal noted that telecommunications services required more than addressing existing challenges.

“The new licence, based on 5G technology, represents the largest investment in Syria's mobile telecommunications sector in years, following a prolonged period of weak investment,” Haykal said.

"Improving telecommunications services is no longer limited to fixing the current situation, but requires rebuilding the sector on new foundations that meet the needs of citizens," Haykal added.

He explained that the agreement with Zain was the result of "a transparent institutional process and a rigorous professional evaluation of bids" following the settlement with MTN, which opened the market to international competition.

Haykal described telecommunications as "the backbone of modern life", saying the government aims to develop the sector to support economic activity and the knowledge economy, and to create conditions conducive to the return of skilled professionals and investment.

The head of Syria's Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority, Khaled Al Homsi, said, “granting the second licence would boost public revenues, attract new investment, create jobs, modernise telecommunications infrastructure and improve service quality.”

He noted that the licensing process was conducted with transparency and impartiality, adding that the primary objective was to serve Syria's national interest while opening "a new phase" for the telecommunications sector based on independence and transparency.