Revealing Details of the Financial Dispute Settlement Between the Palestinian Government and Ooredoo Palestine

SadaNews Economy - On Tuesday evening, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy announced the issuance of the final decision by an internationally specialized arbitration company that was appointed by both parties under the approved legal procedures, and was ratified by a decision from the Cabinet to address the ongoing financial dispute between the Palestinian government and the National Mobile Telecommunications Company (Ooredoo Palestine).

This decision comes to address the repercussions of the delay in frequency allocation, which is a delay beyond the control of both the government and the company, and the resulting financial burdens over the past years. The arbitration panel took into consideration all relevant facts and obligations, ensuring the rights of the state, enhancing investment sustainability, and guaranteeing the continuity of services for citizens.

According to the decision, a total financial amount of 120 million US dollars was approved to settle the financial rights related to the license, with 79 million dollars to be paid in cash by the company to the Ministry of Finance, most of which is to be paid within one week from the date of settlement.

The decision also stipulates that the remaining amount is to be allocated as a contribution from the company towards rebuilding the telecommunications infrastructure in both the West Bank and Gaza Strip, ensuring the provision of the best and sustainable telecommunications services.

The ministry confirmed that these arrangements represent an important step towards enhancing trust in the regulatory framework of the telecommunications sector, establishing the principle of settling disputes through the approved legal and institutional frameworks, which contributes to improving the investment environment, ensuring sector stability, and enhancing the quality of services provided to citizens.