Mobile operator strategies - 04/07/07

Uganda Telecom plans to spend $50m for expanding its network in Uganda.

Verizon Wireless announced it has upgraded its entire CDMA network to enhanced Revision A technology.

Chile plans to open bidding for 3G and WiMAX in early 2008.

MTS (Russia) has bought an additional 26% stake in Uzdunrobita, a mobile operator in Uzbekistan, for $250m.

Australian Macquarie is buying US Global Tower Partners from Blackstone for $1.4bn. Global Tower Partners has 2,500 mobile towers and more than 4,600 rooftop sites.

China Unicom introduces complete song download service.

Telefonica and Yoigo (both in Spain) have agreed to share their respective mobile telephony infrastructure.

Qatar has shortlisted 12 operators for the second GSM mobile license.

Thailand plans awarding 3G licenses by year-end.

DoCoMo is partnering with Casio to form a JV focused on mobile payment solutions.

Shortfall: AT&T faced with a regional crash of its EDGE network for several hours on Monday