Mobile operator strategies - 22/03/07

KPN is considering launching MVNO business in Spain.

Belgian mobile operators will launch m-payment from their mobile devices.

Nigeria plans to grant four 3G licenses and bring one new player in the market. Winners are Alheri Engineering, Celtel Nigeria, Globacom and MTN Nigeria.

E-mobile (Japan) has launched a 3.5G HSDPA xervice in the cities of Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo, with unlimited mobile data for $43 a month.

Saudi telecom regulator has qualified seven bids for mobile licenses, but ousted Orascom and MTNL.

Sprint Nextel is launching a $120 a month package with unlimited calling, SMS and internet access.

Vodafone has demonstrated Starfish at CeBIT fair. It is a VOIP application using Skype free software. The solution, however, is not yet commercialized. While most mobile operators have banned VOIP on their mobile phones with fear of cannibalising its regular mobile phone business, 3UK is among the few allowing commercialy this application.

VNPT (Vietnam) will massively invest in upgradinh two largest mobile networks in the country: MobiFone and Vinafone. 6,000 base stations will be added 50/50 between the two networks, from current 3,000 BTS.

Proximus (Belgium) is launching a MVNO business in Belgium targeting North African population.

China Mobile has invited bids for rolling out its TD-SCDMA network.

Unicel (Brazil) has been awarded a GSM licence in the São Paulo metropolitan area.