Despite the recent conflict in the country, Mali last week wrapped up the award of its third mobile licence to a consortium comprising Alpha Telecom and partner Monaco Telecom International.

Signing the contract last week, Alpha stated its intention to build “an international class network accessible to all in Mali.” It has pledged to launch services as soon as possible.

The licence was sold by the African state for CFA55 billion ($110 million) with about two-thirds due to be paid up front. However, according to local press reports, build-out obligations have been waived for areas currently inaccessible because of the war.

Alpha Telecom will compete with France Telecom’s Orange Mali and Maroc Telecom’s Malitel, which together currently serve the country’s estimated 15 million mobile customers.