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By Tony Hallett, 16 May 2003 14:59

NEWS Iraq is to develop a GSM mobile phone network in conjunction with carrier MCI and the US government. The contract is reported to be worth around $45m and will initially serve only around 10,000 people in the Baghdad area. The body representing companies that create and sell GSM mobile phone technology has given itself a pat on the back on news of the decision. Rob Conway, GSM Association CEO, said in a statement: "We are very pleased by this as we have been working with the US government and MCI to provide GSM and ensure that Iraq had the right technology for its people, compatible with the rest of the region and the world." The latter part of his statement refers to GSM's use across the Middle East and its use by the majority of - though by no means all - mobile phone users globally. In March US Congressman Darrell Issa, at the height of anti-French sentiment from some in the US, suggested Iraq adopt CDMA technology, the foundation for many networks in Asia and the Americas, and primarily developed by US company Qualcomm. Issa pointed out that GSM was originally created as 'Groupe Speciale Mobile', even though it is more commonly known by the English 'Global System for Mobile Communications'. Issa also represents the 49th District of California, in Qualcomm's back yard, and although it was revealed the infrastructure company has made a campaign donation to the politician in the past, this publication found out it was for a small amount and the protest over CDMA was not prompted by Qualcomm. At that time, the GSM Association answered Rep Issa's demands by saying it was an inappropriate time to be talking reconstruction contracts in Iraq, given the conflict was ongoing - though it still fought GSM's corner by noting some of its achievements. GSM has around 850 million users worldwide, accounting for 72 per cent of all digital cellular users. Qualcomm was not available for comment at the time of writing.