[SGS – Hargeisa, Somaliland] Last week, five of the local Telecom Operators in Somaliland have drawn up an agreement to finally set up what seems to be an interconnection between the networks including Fixed-Mobile Termination services. According to the Spokesman for the Representatives of the Network Operators, Mr Jama H. Mohamed Egal, these companies have been locked in series of meetings to sort out both the technical challenges as well as setting up an interconnection which can provide a lasting resolution.
Apparently the companies involved in this agreement were SomTel, Nationlink, Telcom, Soltelco and Africa Online. For whatever the reason is, Telesom who is now by far the biggest Mobile Network Operator (MNO) in the country has not been engaged in this endeavour or so it seems anyway. Unfortunately this might be a missed opportunity for an industry ravaged by a lack of proper interconnection. Also the potential of increased teledensity and internet-density will continue to suffer because of the long-standing issues associated with the interconnections.
The information provided with regards to the cross-network charges was a bit scanty but this table summarise the gist of it:
| Interconnection Type | Prepaid Lines | Post Paid Lines |
| Mobile to Mobile | $0.03 | $0.05 |
| Fixed to Mobile | $0.03 | $0.05 |
| SMS (cross-network) | $0.01 | $0.01 |
According to the Press Release this agreement will be implemented on the 15th May 2011 and the interconnection between these Network Operators will take effect.
SGS welcomes this news and any development towards proper interconnection to move the industry forward. However it is important to note that any agreement without Telesom, as the current leader in the industry with Significant Market Power (SMP) might not yield no major results. There is still sufficient time to re-invigorate the discussions and include all Network Operators to resolve this challenge once and for all.
Small Globe Solutions
Hargeisa, Somaliland
London, United Kingdom