Mobile operator strategies - 14/7/5

Romania's Zapp is investing $60m to expand and upgrade its CDMA450 network to 90% of Romanian population.

Chunghwa Telecom (Taiwan) will launch its 3G service on July 26. It expects to attract some 100,000 subscribers by the end of the year. Two other Taiwanese operators will also launch their 3G service this month. Far EasTone and Taiwan Mobile are expecting 50,000 3G subscribers each by year-end.

Iusacell (Mexico) is planning to launch mobile TV by year-end: 6 channels for under $10 per month.

SK Telecom and KTF have signed an agreement with the government to launch 3.5G network (HSDPA). Samsung and LG are participating in the deal too, as well as Qualcomm. The move is aimed at boosting demand for 3G mobile services.

Mobilkom Austria has gained some 30,000 Vodafone Mobile Connect Cards users or 12% of all Vodafone Mobile Connect Cards in the world. A good success based on the network quality and coverage and on low initial cost for the 3G data card.

Softbank (Japan) plans to become MVNO in Japan.

China Mobile is said to have apply for a 3G WCDMA license.

Vimpelcom (Russia) announced the acquisition of Sakhalin Telecom Mobile, a mobile operator in the Far East Super-Region of Russia.