Global operator strategies - 25/08/06

Amazon should launch soon a video-download service business, based on documents circulating on the Internet. It is testing a service, dubbed "Amazon Unbox Video," that will allow U.S. customers to rent or buy digital videos.

China Netcom has completed the sale of its 100%t ownership of Asia Netcom.

Portugal Telecom plans to merge its fixed and mobile units PT Comunicacoes and TMN into a new company named PT Portugal. It is seen as an answer to escape the unfriendly bid from Sonae. Simultaneously, the Portuguese regulator has placed conditions on Portugual Telecom takeover bid: Sonae should sell its copper fixed line assets.

Greece may sell another stake of telecoms provider OTE next year.

Telecom Argentina plans to invest nearly $433m in 2007.

Australia confirms it intends to fully privatise incumbent operator Telstra (1/3 of the 51.8% stake in Telstra will be sold in October and November).