Mobile operator strategies - 08/07/07

Several European operators are struggling to be the iPhone operator in Europe. iPhone would be introduced in Europe in October in UK, France and Germany. T-Mobile, Orange, Vodafone and Telefonica O2 are the most likely contenders.

BSNL (India) is trying re-negotiating line prices to below $90 (vs $100+), putting pressure on NSN and Ericsson. To help bringing total cost down, BSNL may remove 3G lines from contract.

Vodafone Portugal will broadcast live to mobile all the Live Earth concerts taking place on Saturday.

Vodafone has issued a femtocell request for proposals (RFP). It is the first sizeable RFP that people are paying attention to. Vodafone also issued a new policy report, in partnership with Nokia and NSN, to call for a new regulatory framework to encourage financial transactions by mobile phones and transform access to financial services in developing countries.

CCID Consulting found that Chinese users' satisfaction with mobile phone services has dropped.

T-Mobile offers Music Jukebox service for 3G handsets.

Viettel (Vietnam) holds a 30% market share in Vietnam.

Free/ Iliad (France) is always considering bidding for the fourth French mobile-phone license.

Wirtualna Polska will become MVNO in Poland using Centertel network.

Ukraine plans to privatize Ukrtelekom as soon as possible.

Dutch MVNOs grow customer base to over 3m, or 17% penetration rate.

Vimpelcom (Russia) plans buying 44% stake in Golden Telecom (fixed operator) and become an integrated fixed, mobile service provider.