Fixed operator strategies - 19/01/06

Magyar Telekom plans to reach 600k ADSL subscribers in 2006 (+100%) and invest $230m, mainly funded by a long-term loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB).

India plans to develop broadband connectivity and looks for WiMAX to compensate its limited fixed-line infrastructure.

Australia -based AAPT, a subsidiary of Telecom NZ, is always for sale.

BT abandons installation of high-tech public multimedia kiosks in the UK. Up to now, about 1,300 have been installed to replace the customary red phone boxes, but performance is too low.

In a separate announcement, BT is to unveil its new television service, BT TV, offered on its broadband network.

Direct TV (USA) plans entering into the wireless high-speed Internet market, under a $1bn effort, to challenge digital and cable broadband services.

PT Telkom (Indonesia) currently has 4,1m WLL subscribers and plans to increase the number to 7,1m by the end of this year.

France Telecom lost about 600k customers in 2005. It has mad a technological choice for the future with fiber to the home. In a first step, it will deploy a limited FTTH network in part of Paris and its neighborhood to reach few thousands customers to test the technology and services. No planning for further immediate extensions. The offer includes HD TV, unlimited telephony and Internet access for about €80 per month (In Japan, equivalent service is priced $40 per month).

AT&T reintroduces high speed internet connection for under $15, but for a limited time.

Temasek (Singapore) could takeover Shin Corp (Thailand), including AIS, Shin Satellite, iTV, Thai AirAsia and Capital OK.

Etisalat (UAE), Iraq Telecom and STC (Saudi Arabia) are laying a new submarine system between the three countries.

KDDI has introduced its Next Generation Ethernet passive optical network (NGEPON) roadmap.

Bellsouth plans full IPTV services in 2007.