Fixed operator strategies - 10/12/05

Neuf Telecom (France) focus on IPTV, as 30% of its new ADSL customers, that can receive TV, subscribed to Neuf TV. So Neuf is launching a new portal, personal program selection, TV alerts, kiosk services, RSS TV that display RSS content on the TV set, digital video recording on PCs with MP9 Premium, and video telephony with Neuf Visio.

Inmarsat has launched the first phase of its long-awaited $1.5bn satellite network, with its Broadband Global Area Network, or BGAN. The service will cover 85% of the world's land mass and 98% of the global population.

Arcor (Vodafone fixed-assets in Germany) has activated its WiMAX network in the Kaiserslautern city.

BT is preparing IPTV launch with content deals with BBC (TV programs), Paramount (pay-per-view and on-demand movies) and Warner Music (on-demand music and music programs). In addition, BT announced the upcoming launch of several digital home products and services, with WiFi at the heart of its digital home vision.

Alltel (USA) will spin off fixed-line business and merge the unit with Valor. Alltel will keep 85% of the company.

KDDI (Japan) may gain control of Japan's second largest cable TV company, Cablenet (JCN) to offer triple play services.

The Jordanian government is ready to sell 41% stake in incumbent operator Jordan Telecom.

Bellsouth is launching residential VOIP, including features such as caller ID, call waiting and voicemail. Bellsouth is reselling 8x8' s Packet8 service, as its own service seems at least a year away from being ready, and it is under competitive pressure from Vonage and MSOs.

SNO (S. Africa) is awarded a fixed-line license to operate telecoms services in competition with Telkom, after a long and exhausting process since 2002.

Telefonica and FT could be interested by fixed-line operator Arcor (Germany), but Arcor' s owner Vodafone still has plans to sell its German unit.