Fixed operator strategies - 19/04/07

Neuf Cegetel (France) would win Club Internet (DT France) bid for about €450m. If true, Neuf Cehetel would become second (with 2.7m ADSL subscribers) to FT, taking over Free.

DT is looking for a partner for its T-Systems unit as quickly as possible. The ideal partner should have IT services sales to big multinational firms and public sector, as business accounts for 2/3 of its €12.6bn revenues.

Taiwan Mobile has bought 74% of Taiwan Fixed Network for about $1.2bn.

MTNL (India) is considering bidding for incumbent fixed line operator Telkom Kenya. 26% stake in Telkom Kenya is valued at about $1.7bn.

China Networks has applied for a telecom licence in Japan and plans entering the Japanese telecom market.

Verizon, Batelco and PCCW have been shortlisted for the second fixed-line licence in Saudi Arabia.

Pipex (UK) plans rolling out WiMAX in 50 UK towns and cities, starting with Manchester in 4Q07.