Mobile operator strategies - 25 May 2005

Verizon increased MMS interoperability capabilities with Leap Wireless (after Cingular and US Cellular).

DoCoMo would increase its stake in Taiwan's FarEasTone to 15% (from 5%).

CTI Movil (Argentina) would invest $251m to expand national coverage and marketing expenses.

Bouygues Telecom (France) has received the green light from the French Regulator to delay its 3G obligation until April 2007. Bouygues Telecom will offer EDGE services.

SK Telecom (South Korea) raised handset subsidies by 50% to increase demand. It will invest some $370m this year to expand its W-CDMA network.

KDDI (Japan) will release five new handsets for 3G to compete more aggressively with DoCoMo. The handsets will offer mobile TV and GPS.

Teliasonera intends to sell its 3G license in Spain (through its stake in Xfera).

Telecom Italia still interested in Turk Telecom. It is in talks with Turkish conglomerate Koc on the possibility of a joint bid in the privatization of Turk Telekom.

DiGi (Malaysia) is in talks with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for a 3G license.

Telemig Celular (Brazil) is extending its mobile coverage across the entire state of Minas Gerais, adding some 500 cities and 18m inhabitants.