Mobile operator Alfa signed on June 19 an agreement with Sama, the company with exclusive World Cup broadcast rights, allowing viewers to watch the games without extra charge.

The deal took place under the auspices of the Ministry of Telecommunication (MoT). It cost Alfa $1.5 million, said Marwan Hayek, Chairman of the company.  A similar amount will be paid by Touch.

Hassan Al Zein, General Manager of Sama, announced that his company had already offered to pay the remaining one third of the cost. This makes the overall deal valued at $4.5 million.

A joint committee was formed between the MoT and Sama to follow up on the execution of the agreement.

Alfa mobile subscribers will also be able to watch the World Cup games on mobile devices using the Alfa Mobile TV application and packages. Subscribers can either subscribe by paying $1 per channel per month, or choose one of the ready-made bundles for $5. Touch is offering its users mobile World Cup watching through its mobile TV for $6.