Mobile operator strategies - 24/09/06

Mcel (Mozambique) has received a UMTS 3G licence, the first in the country.

VTR (Chile) could enter the MVNO market in the country.

Panasonic could re-use Connexion by Boeing's general approach in order to allow airlines that have already deployed Connexion to make a simple and relatively quick transition. Panasonic needs commitments from airlines for 500 planes to be equipped before launching the business.

India is planning 3G service rollout by 2012, with all cities and towns with a population of more than 100,000 covered.

Telekom Austria, through its local unit Si.mobil, has acquired a 3G license in Slovenia for€6.5m.

Bharti (India) has won a 3G license in Guernsey, Europe.

SeaMobile Enterprises will offer wireless at-sea communications, connectivity and content services to cruise guests on Holland America Line's ships.

French regulator, ARCEP, definetively adopts 20% cut in mobile termination from 1 January in France.

Vodafone has entered talks to buy additional 9% stake in Safaricom (Kenia) from Telkom Kenya. Meanwhile, Telecom Egypt has launched a bid to acquire an additional 24% in Vodafone Egypt.