Mobile operator strategies - 5/1/06

Moldcell, Moldova-based GSM network operator, has launched the first GPRS Roaming service in Moldova.

Maxis (Malaysia) will acquire, in partnership with the Chennai-based Apollo Group, a 100% stake in Aircel (India) for $1.08bn. Maxis will hold about 74% equity stake in Aircel.

Samsung and LG have developed the world's first mobile phones based on the DVB-H and Media FLO mobile broadcasting standards.

Sistema has increased its stake in Russia' s Mobile TeleSystems, or MTS, to 52.8%, for $275m.

MTS (Russia) has increased its stake in regional mobile operator Rekom to 100%, while Rezervspetsmet has initiated a criminal case vs MTS in Kyrgyzstan for the ownership of Kyrgyz mobile operator Bitel.

SMARTS (Russia) plans $100m in 2006 Capex (70% of which in equipment upgrades and network expansion).

Vimpelcom (Russia) has acquired a 60% stake in Tajik mobile operator Tacom.

FastWeb (Italy) is aiming to become a virtual mobile operator (MVNO).

Telefonica has won support from a majority (about 63%) of O2 shareholders that have accepted its €25.7bn takeover offer. The European Commission is still investigating the legality of the merger.

Cosmote (Greece) will launch RIM' s Blackberry in Greece.

Reliance (India) broke the circle barrier and thus became the first operator in the country to launch nationwide tariff.