In 2009, Orascom Investment Holding launched Koryolink, North Korea’s first 3G Mobile operator, with the state-owned KPTC. With 75% ownership stake and 3 million subscribers, Koryolink was the sole mobile network operator in the country for 9 years until a state-owned competitor entered the market. Recently, Orascom Investment Holding received the UN Security Council’s exemption from international sanctions prohibiting foreign investments in North Korea, allowing the company to continue its operations in North Korea as a telecommunications infrastructure company providing a public service to North Korean citizens.
The company established many precedents in North Korea offering the first ever communication tool for its people, the first of its kind customer service call center and a launch announcement in major media outlets across the country including the first advertising billboard in the capital, Pyongyang.
As for OIH’s telecommunications operations in Lebanon, the company owns majority shares of Orascom Telecom Lebanon S.A.L. (OTL) which manages Alfa, one of the two operating networks in Lebanon owned by the Ministry of Telecommunications (MoT). Through Alfa’s coverage, OIH reaches 99% of Lebanese land, 4.4 million of its people and 214 operators in 109 countries through roaming agreements.
As for OIH’s telecommunications operations in Lebanon, the company owns majority shares of Orascom Telecom Lebanon S.A.L. (OTL) and manages Alfa, one of the two operating networks in Lebanon owned by the Ministry of Telecommunications (MoT). Through Alfa’s coverage, OIH reached 99% of Lebanese land, 4.4 million of its people and 214 operators in 109 countries through roaming agreements.
