Djezzy, the Algerian mobile company run by VimpelCom, has been granted a licence to offer LTE services in the North African country after tendering for the bid earlier this year.

"Djezzy has been granted the license to provide high-speed 4G/LTE services to our customers in Algeria and we look forward to the rollout in the summer of 2016," said Jon Eddy, head of emerging markets at VimpelCom.

Eddy said VimpelCom is eager to capitalise on the expertise it acquired following 4G/LTE rollout in other markets such as Italy and Russia.

Djezzy is the largest mobile network in the north African country. The company is upgrading its existing network infrastructure, which includes a revamp of its 2G services and the deployment of 3G in all of Algeria's 48 provinces by year-end.

Executive Chairman Vincenzo Nesci said the new licence was an "opportunity for Djezzy to spearhead the development and implementation of such sophisticated technology in Algeria. It will facilitate further digital inclusion for our 17 million customers with the launch of new services and offers".

Djezzy's Ebitda earnings for the first quarter period to end March increased 9% compared to the previous contrasting period. This was despite a 2% decline in subscriber numbers to 16.7 million during the first quarter period.

"Although we still face currency headwinds and adverse economic conditions in some of our markets, there are signs of an easing in pressures," said VimpelCom chief executive officer, Jean Yves Charlier, in an earlier statement.