Global operator strategies - 4/12/05

Indonesia plans to ask telcos to invest 20% of their capex in local products. The new regulation, to be effective next year, is expected to boost the domestic industry. In addition, Indonesia aims to export $4bn worth of telecom equipment in 2009, up from an estimated $1.8bn this year.

India has vetoed local loop unbundling (LLU) in the country. As teledensity is low (<10%), the government thinks India would best be served if the competitive carriers build their own infrastructure.

Orange, SFR and Bouygues Telecom (three main mobile operators in France) have been fined €534m for market collusion.

TDC (Denmark) has recommended a $12bn (wo debt of $3,6bn) takeover offer from a consortium led by Apax Partners.

Microsoft will launch Fremont by the end of the year. Fremont is Microsoft' s answer to Google Base. Fremont allows everybody to place its own content on line. (http://fremont.live.com )

The European Commission has approved the contemplated take-over bid of Belgacom on all shares and warrants of Telindus