Fixed-line monopoly Telecom Egypt has said it would keep providing fixed line services for any new licenses tendered, while future private operators would only be allowed to supply data and video.

"Maybe triple play is not the accurate word, although that was what was announced. Triple play includes voice, data and video. What's on offer does not include fixed voice at all," chief executive Tarek Tantawy told reporters on the sidelines of an investor conference in New York.

"The two new license operators will not be allowed to provide voice services. They will have to give us access to their network to provide voice services."

The government said in late September that it would invite bids for combined cable television, telephone and Internet licenses, which it expects will generate $1 billion in new investments within five years.

Tantawy said the deadline for submitting the bids is January 12, 2010.

Regional mobile operator Orascom Telecom has said it would likely bid for one of the licenses.

Others tipped to bid include the UAE's Etisalat, which already competes against Mobinil and Vodafone Egypt in Egypt's mobile market. – Reuters