Global operator strategies - 02/06/07

Skype leaves continental Europe. After Germany, Spain, Italy, Scandinavia and Poland, France is hit by the decision to close all their continental European subsidiaries. Even if the number of subscribers is always increasing (currently 171m), the business model seems inadequate and SkypeOut (the paid service) usage is too weak. European business will be concentrated in London.

Maxis (Malaysia) plans to invest $4.4bn in capex in the next three years in Malaysia, Indonesia and India to expand coverage.

EU to propose single European telecom regulator by the end of October.

After DT two weeks ago, FT faced a monster strike from about 25% of its staff participating in a one-day break.

Versatel, a fixed line service operator in Germany, will offer mobile services using E-Plus network from mid 2007.

GSA (U.S. General Services Administration) awarded some $20bn contracts o AT&T; Level 3; MCI; Qwest; and Sprint Solutions.

Portugal Telecom has decided to talk with Telemar (Brazil) shareholders in sight of a possible bid. But PT denies it has already made a bid.

Metromedia buys remaining 74% stake in each of Telecom Georgia and Telenet, both in Georgia.

Clearwire (US) has completed the acquisition of 2.5GHz spectrum from ATT for $300m.