Mobile operator strategies - 21/12/06

Orange may be talking with Google on a multi billion dollars project to compress data, accelerate connection speed and mobile quality in a Google-branded mobile phone.

MTC (Kuwait) may bid for Paktel (Pakistan) if Millicom, its current owner exits the market.

SeaMobile (at-sea communications provider) plans to buy Geolink, a satellite-based broadband services provider.

According to a a senior researcher at SASAC, the Chinese government would issue 3G licenses in April-May, 2007.

MTC Namibia will gradualy open a 3G network in Africa. It is the third 3G network in the African continent.

Hutchison Essar will launch i-mode services in India in 2007.

Vodafone, Maxis (Malaysia) and Orascom (Egypt) have joined the race for a stake in Hutchison Essar.

According to Telecom Minister Leonid Reiman, three Russian operators are expected to get licenses to provide 3G services in Russia.

Brazil's Telemar is considering buying TIM Brazil, in competition with America Movil.

Swisscom has bought the 25% stake Vodafone held in Swisscom Mobile for $3.5bn.

Cingular is testing mobile payment in New York City.

Cofetel (Mexican telecom regulator) has issued rules for Number Portability to go into effect next year.