Operator strategies N52

According to Insight Research, the global telecom services revenues would grow from      $ 1.1tr in 2005 to $ 1.5tr in 2010.

Fixed networks:

France Telecom is targeting more presence in Middle East, and primarily to increase its current stake (40%) in Jordan Telecom. And why not a foothold in Iraq in the future?

Japan Telecom (Softbank) in Japan will merge with C&W IDC, a subsidiary of C&W UK.

Tata/ VSNL (India) has acquired 26% stake in South Africa's Second Network Operator (SNO).

Telmex (Mexico) selects Global Crossing to interconnect its operations in South America, Mexico and the United States.

Mobile networks:

NRJ will become a new French MVNO, operating on the SFR network. M6 (French TV network) has signed a MVNO deal with Orange, and service will be launched during the summer.

T-Mobile has acquired the majority control of PTC (Polska Telefonia Cyfrowa Sp) in Poland.

Telecom Italia is launching first location-based consumer service in Italy (with Autodesk).

Orange will launch EDGE this year in France to complement its 3G network coverage.

MobileOne (Singapore) will launch 3G services this month.

Telefonica Moviles completes the merger of the Chilean firms it acquired last year from BellSouth.