Thanks, this is great information. I was aware that I might be asking too many questions, but figured people could answer whichever ones they wanted to. I don't plan on doing any investment. I'm writing a student thesis on this topic. I've heard people say the system is cheap and reliable, but somehow inefficient, but haven't seen much written on the topic. Nuruddin Farah's book, Links makes periodic references: "There is a one-man telephone company I can call for..." Jeebleh remembered that until the late eighties it had been impossible to call Somalia from anywhere because the country boasted the worst telephone network on the entire continent. You just couldn't get through to anyone living here. So how it was possible in civil war Mogadiscio for a one-man telephone company to allow him to speak to his wife?... A man came to Jeebleh's room with a briefcase full of gadgets, including a telephone linked to a satellite long-distance service. Later he writes: Three of the telephones on Bile's desk started ringing simultaneously, though not in any coordinated manner, because the phone companies were owned by subsidiaries of companies based in the United States, Norway, and Malaysia, and the tones they used were different. Does this sound accurate? I imagine it must be a little dated, as there has probably been consolidation since then, but I was a bit confused trying to figure out how the companies are organized, since they rely on foreign service providers, but none of the foreign companies actually have offices in Somalia. This must be quite unique. Are these foreign companies the suppliers you're talking about, Gordon? Or do you mean equipment suppliers ? Also, I've heard people complain about the lack of interconnection. You say this has been fixed, Miskiin? Does anyone know how they worked that out? Thanks so much for your help, guys!

Hello, I'm studying the mobile phone economy and would like to know about services in Somalia. I have heard somewhat contradictory things about the quality and affordability of services, but overall it sounds like a remarkable case of growth considering the political environment. I was wondering what the reaction was among people who have phones? Are they in fact cheap and reliable? What kinds of challenges and opportunities do you think are specific to telecommunications work in Somalia or more specific markets (e.g. Mogadisho, Kismayo, Hargeisa, rural areas, etc.)? Is the service any different from other places (Africa or elsewhere) in technology or terms of service? Where does the equipment come from? Do people need any special training to set up operations? Is it profitable? Do you know anyone who worked in this industry directly that might be willing to talk about it? Unfortunately, I am not yet a Somali speaker and do not think I will travel there until I am. Thanks for your help!

Hello, I'm studying the mobile phone economy and would like to know about services in Somalia. I have heard somewhat contradictory things about the quality and affordability of services, but overall it sounds like a remarkable case of growth considering the political environment. I was wondering what the reaction was among people who have phones? Are they in fact cheap and reliable? What kinds of challenges and opportunities do you think are specific to telecommunications work in Somalia or more specific markets (e.g. Mogadisho, Kismayo, Hargeisa, rural areas, etc.)? Is the service any different from other places (Africa or elsewhere) in technology or terms of service? Where does the equipment come from? Do people need any special training to set up operations? Is it profitable? Do you know anyone who worked in this industry directly that might be willing to talk about it? Unfortunately, I am not yet a Somali speaker and do not think I will travel there until I am. Thanks for your help!

I guess it's true that everyone has a unique interpretation. Thank you Here's the link: http://telcom-somalia.com/qiimaha.htm

hi, can someone give me an English translation? this is from the telcom Somalia website: Shirkadda Telcom Somalia Telsom Mobile waxay dhammaan dadweynaha iyo macaamiisheeda sharafta mudan ugu soo gudbineysaa shaxdan hoos ku cad, furayaasha gobollada dalka iyo qiimaha daqiiqaddii ee dirsashada taleefanka gudaha iyo dibaddaba, waana sidan hoos ku cad: Thanks