Telecom Egypt confirmed on Friday it was considering options on expanding its presence in Egypt's mobile market that included increasing its existing 45 per cent stake in Vodafone Egypt. "The company is exploring several alternatives including increasing its stake and role in Vodafone Egypt or potentially to apply for the fourth mobile licence if the Egyptian government were to make one available," the Egyptian state-controlled firm said in a statement. Vodafone Group owns a 55 per cent stake in Vodafone Egypt. Sources earlier said that Vodafone had held informal talks with Telecom Egypt about selling its stake in the unit.