Global operator strategies - 9/11/05

Google will launch Google Local for mobile, a GPS service for end-users, available from mobile handsets. The software is free of charge, but the operator could charge the service,

Yahoo! will integrate its web search engine into mobile phones.

Microsoft has emerged as the front-runner in talks surrounding the potential sale of a stake in America Online. But Google/ Comcast and Yahoo have not yet thrown away the towel.

T-Mobile Hungary and Magyar Telecom' s fixed-line operations will merge. They follow the example of their parent company DT that holds a majority stake in Magyar Telekom.

Skype is launching wireless handsets compatible with its technology (the CT200 was developed with Cisco/Linksys). It announced also headsets and pre-paid cards to use Skype out, and sold in hypermarkets. Skype is also rumored to develop a WiFi handset to use its technology without the need of a PC,

Swisscom confirms talks with Eircom (Telcoflash n84), with a deal estimated at about €2,5bn.

SK Telecom (South Korea) is ready to invest $280m in mobile JV SLD Telecom in Vietnam.

Vietnam opened its first satellite-based broadband gateway, using equipment leased from Shin Satellite (Thailand).

Morocco becomes the first African country to join the European Galileo satellite navigation project.