Mobilis, a subsidiary of Algeria Telecom, is set to become the newest entrant into Mali's telecommunications market after securing a global operating license to roll out services.

The license, secured for an undisclosed amount, empowers Mobilis to provide 2G, 3G and 4G services in the West African country.

Mali's Minister of the Digital Economy and Communication Modibo Arouna Toure announced that Mobilis secured Mali's fourth telecoms license under a preliminary agreement with the government and the full terms are yet to be negotiated.

"This is a preliminary agreement for the provisional allocation of the license to Mobilis, which will have to negotiate the terms of reference in order to open a new subsidiary of Algerie Telecom," said Toure.

The Minister added that representatives from the company are expected in Mali 'in the coming weeks' to "sign documents and concretise the latest steps, including financial, and start construction work of the network".

In late June 2018, ITWeb Africa reported on official interest expressed by Mobilis in Mali's telecoms market as part of its international expansion plans.

However, the State's interference in telecommunications, according to media reports, remains a challenge to the industry and operators – including new entrants into the market.

In August 2018, ITWeb Africa reported that the government of Mali was accused of clamping down on social media and virtual private networks, and restricting internet access to during the country's presidential run-off elections.