Global operator strategies - 03/02/07

EU Court upheld a €10m antitrust fine on FT for abusing its position to monopolise the market.

Telecom NZ plans to buy PowerTel (Australia) for $275m.

Telenor has been backed by a Geneva arbitration tribunal in its dispute with Altimo/ Alfa (Russia) on the control of Vimpelcom (Russia). Altimo is allowed only to nominate 4 management directors and not 5 to Vimpelcom board. Altimo continues, however, to claim that Telenor made misleading statements. Dispute with Altimo also continues for the control of Ukrainian Kyivstar. Telenor accuses Altimo to prevent Ernst & Young from auditing Kyivstar 2006 financial statements.

Sistema (Russia) confirms talks to acquire a stake in Telecom Italia.

Telkom (S. Africa) is bidding for taking over Africa Online, a website manager, for about $8.5m.

Belgacom is said to be interested in overtaking Voxmobile (Luxemburg) for its mobile and fixed (ADSL and WLAN) operations.

Verizon is offering quad-play services, including mobile services from Verizon Wireless, DSL internet, TV, and fixed-line services.

SaskTel plans to invest $100min 2007 for improving its networks.

Reliance plans to increase its capex by 66% to $2.5bn to build on telecom infrastructure in next financial year (ending March 2008).

BT has agrred to buy International Network Services (INS), a leading global provider of IT consulting and software solutions.

Chinese fixed telecom operators are establishing mobile operation division, aiming for 3G license.