Fixed operator strategies - 28/1/06

Telemar (Brazil) would invest $440m in 2006 in audiovisual content distribution on its broadband internet network.

Brazil Telecom (Brazil) launched its voice over IP telephone service VoipFone.

Five Dutch cable companies (CaiW, Casema, Essent, Multikabel and UPC Netherlands) plan to connect their internet telephony networks together to allow for free VoIP calls within their networks. The goal is to bypass local incumbent KPN and reduce costs.

Level3 (USA) will spend $137m to acquire Progress Telecom.

France Telecom plans to launch IPTV services in neighboring European markets in 2006, namely Spain, the U.K., Poland, and the Netherlands, but is also planning to roll out IPTV services in Mauritius and Senegal.

Vodafone' s German unit Arcor is considering setting up its own fiber optic network.