Fixed operator strategies - 28 May 2005

Optus is trialling wireless broadband from Alvarion and IPWireless.

Bellsouth, SBC and Verizon have requested information (RFI) from vendors on gigabit passive optical networks (GPON) for the next phase of their broadband fiber build-outs. A request for proposal should be issued by3Q05.

Teliasonera reported that 50% of volumes could have migrated from fixed to IP in five years. It added that 8% to 10% of its business volumes are migrating from fixed to mobile and IP services.

MGTS, Russia's largest fixed-line operator, plans to add 404.4k new fixed lines this year, of which 267k are to replace old existing analog lines. Digitization is currently as low as 30%.

France Telecom is expanding its ADSL2+ offer to 15 new cities in France. Max speed is up to 18Mbit/s.

Verizon plans leasing its fiber network to ISPs.

Albania government will sell its state-own phone company, Albtelecom, to a Turkish consortium (including Turk Telecom) for $151m.