VIP-NET TRUST GRANTED CONCESSION FOR 2ND GSM NETWORK IN CROATIA

( Editorial: --> 8619 ) ZAGREB, Sept 7 (Hina) - The VIP-net trust was granted concession for the construction and use of a second GSM network in Croatia, the Telecommunications Council decided on Monday. Five of six Telecommunications Council members attending a Monday session voted for an offer made by VIP-net, which comprises MOBILKOM AG from Austria, Western Wireless International from the USA, and Vecernji List, Ingra and Croatian Postal Bank from Croatia. Domestic investors have a 51 per cent share in the trust. VIP-net plans on investing between US$193 million and US$242 million in the new GSM network, which should become operational within six months. A hundred jobs will be offered by year's end, and an additional 500 during the first five years. Between the two offers for the concession, by VIP-net and Zagitel, the Telecommunications Council voted in favour of VIP-net's possibility of speedy construction, network coverage, investment amount, and share of domestic resources. Zagitel representative Zeljko Ladic announced the possibility of filing an appeal against the Council decision after viewing the minutes and documentation. (hina) ha jn /sp 071513 MET sep 98