Invitation For Proposals No.: 120/2001 Invitation for the Submission of Proposals for a Strategic Partnership for the Commercial Exploitation of EAC΄s Installations for Telecommunications Purposes Successful Tenderers TeleDev East Ltd Suphire Group (Venture Capital Ltd) Cable Communication Systems Brief Description GENERAL SCOPE - The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) is the electric utility responsible for the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in Cyprus. In connection with the liberalization of the telecommunications market in Cyprus, which at present are the monopoly of the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority, EAC has been installing an extensive network of optical fibres, which mainly consists of OPGW (Optical Ground Wire) on its 132 kV overhead power transmission lines, underground conduits for the installation of optical fibre cables within the cities and terminal equipment of SDH technology. The OPGW cables interlink EAC’s substations and main offices, where the terminal equipment is installed. For most routes, cables now contain 24 fibres but new cables will contain 48 fibres. This network is being continuously expanded, but it can already reach most major locations and EAC is using parts of it for its own purposes. At the same time, EAC possesses a large number of sites and structures throughout the island, which enhance the potential of its telecommunication capabilities, e.g. in the deployment of base stations for mobile telephony. According to a recent Government announcement, liberalization of telecommunications is expected to start early 2002, while full opening of the market will be effective as from 1.1.2003. In order to proceed with the commercial exploitation of its installations for telecommunication purposes, EAC is looking for a suitable strategic partner with specialized expertise and practical experience in the field of telecommunications. The envisaged partnership will extend to technical, financial and commercial areas. Applicants should meet a number of specified basic requirements. They should include description of company (structure, finances, main activities) and its experience in the field of planning and operating fibre optic telecommunications networks, as well as detailed technical, financial and business proposal for the commercial exploitation of EAC’s telecommunications potential. This proposal will form the basis for negotiations with a small number of preselected Prospective Partners in order to reach a final agreement. DOCUMENTS - Telecommunications systems operators interested in forming such a partnership with EAC can obtain copy of the Invitation for Proposals from the Purchasing Department of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus, at 9 Photi Pitta str., 2nd Floor. CLOSING DATE - Applications are to be submitted to the Authority’s Head Office by 12.00 hours noon local time, on 12 October 2001.