The field of bidders is thinning for the privatization of Nicaragua’s state telephone company, Enitel, the company’s president said. He said US interest appears to be dwindling due to the 1996 Telecommunications Act, which opens up so many new opportunities at home. US companies with a fading interest are GTE International Inc, AT&T Corp and Sprint International Corp, he said; five companies are considered prime candidates to buy Enitel – Telefonica Internacional SA, Stet International SpA, Iusacel-Bell Atlantic SA, CTC of Chile and France Telecom; the bids will be opened on July 18; Singapore Telecom Ltd, Korea Telecom Ltd and Cable & Wireless Plc have dropped out; the winner gets 40% of Enitel, day to day control and a 20-year concession for some $120m to $150m.
