Global operator strategies - 27/01/07

Vodafone, Reliance, Hinduja are left in the race for Hutchison Essar stake. Orascom and Altimo, however, still have indicated their interest in the race. Orascom said it is strong of a right of first refusal on the stake in HTIL (parent company of Hutch Essar).

China invested $27.7bn in its telecom sector in 2006, up 7.5%.

Tele2 AB (Sweden) has agreed to sell its Dutch and Belgian subsidiaries to Versatel (NL) for €200m.

Teliasonera has received support of an arbitration tribunal of the International Chamber of Commerce saying that its purchase of Turkcell shares in 2005 from Cukurova (Turkey) is valid.