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Tajikistan, Dushanbe, July 23, 2014
—IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is providing a $30 million loan to support Tcell’s plans to expand its network and improve connectivity for its subscribers across Tajikistan.
With more than 3.3 million subscribers, Tcell is the largest mobile phone operator in the country. IFC’s investment will help Tcell upgrade its network, increase coverage, and make mobile services more accessible and affordable, especially in remote, less-densely populated areas of the country.
Mansur Khamidov, Tcell’s Director General, said: “The project is aimed at expanding coverage throughout the country and will particularly benefit low-income populations. The agreement also demonstrates that Tcell is a socially responsible company that meets globally recognized standards. Corporate social responsibility is embedded in our business strategy and IFC will support us with its expertise and knowledge for the benefit of the country.”
Most Tajiks live in rural areas with limited access to transportation services, and mobile phones are vital in helping micro and small enterprises operate by lowering costs and increasing productivity.
“Improving infrastructure is critical in driving Tajikistan’s economic growth,” said Christopher Miller, IFC Country Officer in Tajikistan. “Our investment in Tcell is part of our commitment to accelerating private participation in infrastructure development. We expect this project to help improve access to knowledge and services, and enable new models of efficient delivery of government and business services.”
Tajikistan became a member of IFC in 1994. Since 1997, IFC has invested $110 million to support 36 private sector projects in the financial, telecommunications, hydropower, retail, tourism, and manufacturing sectors.
About IFC
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector. Working with private enterprises in more than 100 countries, we use our capital, expertise, and influence to help eliminate extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity. In FY13, our investments climbed to an all-time high of nearly $25 billion, leveraging the power of the private sector to create jobs and tackle the world’s most pressing development challenges. For more information, visit
www.ifc.org
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About Tcell
Tcell is the largest mobile operator in Tajikistan, with more than 3 million subscriptions, over 2,000 sales points and 2,544 base stations. It provides coverage to 94 percent of the population through its 2G network and about 45 percent through its 3G network. Tcell was one of the first mobile telecommunication companies in Central Asia to launch 3G services in 2006, providing high-speed mobile Internet connection for its customers. As of April 2014, Tcell also provides services of the latest generation, 4G/LTE. In addition, Tcell offers international roaming services and a wide range of GMS services in more than 200 countries. The company has also been a pioneer in providing 24-hour customer service via a hotline number; dozens of modern service centers in Dushanbe, Khujand, Kurgan-Tube,and Khorog; and regional offices for customers from the remote, mountainous areas of Sogd, Khatlon, Gorno-Badakhshan and DRS regions.
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