Global operator strategies - 11/06/06

China Telecom has opened an office in Kazakhstan.

France: Bouygues and SFR (both are mobile operators) are planning to offer converged services, following the announcements of Orange, Free and Neuf Cegetel on this subject. Bouygues should offer broadband internet access, while SFR should offer a converged service and bill differently a call made in-house and a call placed outside (mobile), but with the same terminal.

Italy: the regulator is considering the split of Telecom Italia between its commercial business and its network unit.