MNOs begin phasing out sales of new lines through distributors

Vodafone Egypt, Orange Misr, and Etisalat Mist have begun limiting the number of new phone lines sold through third-party distributors as per regulations set out this month by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA), sources tell Al Borsa. The NTRA had limited sales through distributors to around 50 new lines per distributor until March, after which all new lines will be sold through official branches of mobile network operators. The move, which MNOs complain has severely disrupted sales operations, is meant to strengthen know-your-customer procedures. MNOs have been in talks with regulators to find alternative means to include third-party sellers, including setting up franchises, but there is no word as of yet on progress on the talks.