Fixed operators strategies N59

UK’s hotspot operator The Clouds has bought Germany’ hotspot operator Airnyx.

In Norway, NextGenTel bought Firstmile (both are broadband ISPs) for NOK 19.6m.

ISP Dishnet (India) launched the first-ever WiMAX network to 38 cities in India. It expects to build 6000 hotspots within 18 months, and will invest $51m this year.

China Telecom announced its PHS ARPU declined 5% to $4.8 in 2004, as well as its broadband ARPU declining 25% to $12.3 (impact of low-end users added when buying ten provincial networks from its parent company).

Neuf Telecom (France) is launching free and unlimited voice service inside the Planète Neuf subscriber list.

Ozone (France) launches VoWiFi in Paris. The service, called Teleph(oz)one, will allow to call, without limit, every fixed number in France for only €9 or € 12 per month.

Cablevision (USA) was disputing the bid for Adelphia Cable Systems to Time Warner/ Comcast that expected to share the bankrupt cable TV company assets. The offer was at $ 16.5bn. Time Warner/ Comcast have reacted, offer $18bn and could have reached an agreement to buy Adelphia Cable.

Optus (Australia) plans to deploy its own ADSL infrastructure to cover 17% of Australian households, in a $ 61m move. Huawei will supply equipment.

Altitude (France) is launching voice services over (pre) WiMAX from Alvarion.

MCI could deploy the first commercial 40 Gbit/s ultra-long-haul link in NA by early next year.

PCCW would purchase stake in China Netcom Broadband Corporation as part of its plans to expand its broadband services in China.

Cegetel and Neuf Telecom (both in France) could be again talking alliance in ADSL and telephony.