Mobile operator strategies - 09/06/06

SmarTone (HK) is launching an HSDPA commercial service.

Belgacom / Proximus is upgrading its 3G network to HSDPA by the end of the year.

T-Mobile reaches further hotspot access through a deal with Sofitel (Accor Hotels), adding some 210 new hotspots. Its worldwide network is made of about 7000 hotspots now.

Vodafone unveiled its first retail store in Cheltenham this week, and 100 others will be rebuilt by the end of March 2007.

DoCoMo and RIM will market BlackBerry handheld devices from fall 2006.

China Mobile is bidding for a stake in Phoenix Satellite Television, an HK broadcaster. The alliance will provide mobile content for future China Mobile’s 3G services. China Mobile is also forming a broad strategic partnership to explore mobile media business opportunities with News Corp. and STAR Group.

M6 Mobile by Orange (France) has gained 420k subscribers in one year, ahead of the target of 1m subscribers in 3 years.

KPN has launched location-based services (LBS) on mobile phones.

Vimpelcom () plans to bid for 's ArmenTel.

Rubicon Wireless has opened its CDMA2000 network in .

Amena (Orange in ) has signed an agreement with Gestevision Telecinco to broadcast TV shows on its 3G network.