Global operator strategies - 8 June 2005

French government has sold 6% of France Telecom for about €3.5bn.

Viacom may bid for two cable channels from Telewest.

Interoute (pan-European service provider) is offering a multipoint, wide-area network (WAN) Ethernet service, claiming the biggest coverage in Europe with connections in 61 cities.

Teliasonera has applied to the International Court of Arbitration to defend its rights in purchasing key Turkcell assets from Cukurova Group. In march, Cukurova agreed to sell 27% of Turkcell to Teliasonera, but did not signed yet the deal. In the mean time, Alfa group has made a higher offer, more attractive for Cukurova, in current financial turmoil.

Another Nordic operator struggling with Alfa group is Telenor. Russian Vimpelcom operator control is the casus belli. If Alfa gains control, Telenor may exit Vimpelcom.

Portugal Telecom has formed Africa PT, a unit which will aggregate all the PT businesses in Africa.