Mobile operator strategies - 1/2/06

In Indonesia, seven operators have applied for a 3G license. The seven bidders are PT Telkomsel, PT Indosat, Excelcomindo), Telkom, PT Komselindo, PT Sampurna Telekomunikasi Indonesia and PT Bakrie Telecom.

Vodafone may outsource some operations to cut costs, such as billing, software development and customer relationship management - possibly to IBM. The move could save $530m p.a.

GrameenPhone (Bangladesh) plans to invest $300m in network expansion this year.

NTT DoCoMo has agreed to buy a 7% stake in PLDT (Indonesia) for $ 442m. PLDT will launch i-mode internet services, while DoCoMo will support PLDT' s launch of 3G services.