Global operator strategies - 14/12/05

Under competitive pressure from IPTV providers such as Internet and mobile TV providers. in France, Vivendi Universal, TF1 and M6 are holding talks to combine their satellite TV companies, Canal+ and TPS. Canal+ is 100% owned by Vivendi, while TPS is a JV between TF1 (66%) and M6 (34%).

The European ECMA standardization body has approved the first UWB technology standard for wireless personal area network (WPAN) enabling interoperability and multimedia file transfers via wireless handsets, computers, and home appliances.

The European ETSI Technical Committee approved the much-anticipated Release 1 NGN definition document and related specs. Convergence between PSTN and IP-based data networks forms a major part of the ETSI -TISPAN work, including network aspects (ETSI NA), signaling, protocols and switching (SPS), services and protocols for advanced networks (SPAN), and telecommunications and IP harmonization over networks (TIPHON).

China Telecom and Reliance Infocomm (India) have signed an agreement to provide direct telecom services to subscribers of the two companies. Up to now, calls between the two countries were routed via the U.S. or Europe.

India is set to receive $8bn investment in the next 3-5 years from global IT and telecom multinationals. Intel, Cisco, Microsoft, Motorola, and many others are among the investors.

French telecom regulator, ARCEP, will force Orange, SFR and Bouygues Telecom and other mobile operators to slash mobile phone tariffs by 24% in early 2006. The move follows recent justice decision to fine top three mobile operators for market collusion, maintain high prices and fixed market shares among themselves.

Telefonica plans to invest €10bn over five years to strengthen its broadband operations worldwide.

Microsoft and MCI announce PC-to-phone calling agreement. The service is yet low-profile as only allowing first outbounds calls, and will use Teleo' s technology. The service is open to allow MSN Messenger users to receive calls from landline and cellular phones, then later to call land lines or cell phones. The move highlights Microsoft entry in the VOIP arena.