Mobile operator strategies - 4/12/05

Telefonica Moviles would deploy RIM Blackberry platform in 13 Latin American countries in 2006.

Slovakia plans to offer a third mobile operator license next year.

Alfa Group (Russia) could consolidate its stakes in four of the five Ukrainian GSM operators. Its subsidiary Alfa Telecom will change its name to Altimo.

Taiwan-based Vibo Telecom plans to launch its 3G service and targets 1m users by end 2006.

Millicom International Cellular announced the launch of GSM/GPRS services (Tigo) in Bolivia.

Czech mobile operator Eurotel has launched its 3G service in the country.

Urktelecom (Ukraine) enters the mobile market with a UMTS 3G license granted (without tender) by the government for $30m. Other mobile operators will have, however, to file applications, and raise some concerns about the legality of the move.

Safran (Sagem + SNECMA in France) plans to consolidate its mobile-phone business with that of China's Ningbo Bird. In Sept. 05 they already signed a deal to create a cross-distribution joint venture.

Poland wants to fully deregulate the telecom market to lower the cost of services.