About

Djezzy has grown to become Algeria’s primary mobile network operator, with over 16.49 million subscribers as of November 2011 and a network spanning 90% of the population. Djezzy was a subsidiary of the Egyptian company Global Telecom Holding, and in 2014 the Algerian state bought 51% of it, acquiring Algeria’s second GSM license on July 2001 with a bid of US$737m and was officially launched on February 2002. The legal department is led by Sophie Verdejo, who serves as the deputy director general for legal affairs and amasses an extensive career in the telecoms industry. The legal team has assisted in a number of innovative launches to become the leading digital operator in Algeria the areas of prepaid, post-paid voice and data telecommunications services. Most notably, they helped with Djezzy becoming part of VEON (former VimpelCom) Group in 2011, after the merger between OTH and VimpelCom groups. The legal team guided the 2015 National Investment Fund taking control of 51% of the company capital, while the foreign partner, Veon Group, retained responsibility for the management company. The legal department also helped launch the long anticipated 4G services, on October 1st 2016, for the aim of covering more than 50% of the population by 2021.