Global operator strategies - 10/07/05

Hutchison Whampoa (HK) is interested in the Spanish market, but denied any interested in buying local telecom company Auna.

FT and Microsoft have agreed to jointly work on fixed-mobile convergence and VOIP. FT has elaborated the NExT plan to make voice, data and video aggregation on every network and terminal. FT and Microsoft will develop a new platform, based on MS Connected Services Framework and service delivery platforms (SDP). They will also develop a dual mode GSM/WiFi VOIP phone for the Homezone service.

Alfa Group (Russia) is trying to consolidate his telecoms stakes in a single western company.

Alltel- Western Wireless could merge after divesting some assets. The deal, worth $ 4.4bn, could be completed later this summer.

VSNL (India) is close to acquiring a second telecom operator's license in South Africa.