Global operator strategies - 28/08/07

BskyB (UK) has extended the takeover offer for computer/electronic hardware maker Amstrad to September 4.

Verizon Wireless, RealNetworls and MTV Networks will jointly launch Rhapsody America, designed to take on Apple's iTunes.

T-Mobile, Orange and O2 would be the iPhone distributors in Europe.

The European Union Commission plans to allow providers of satellite-to-mobile phone services to get a single EU-wide license. Elsewhere, it has cleared T-Mobile Netherlands purchase of Orange Netherlands.

SK Telecom (S. Korea) will buy almost 7% stake in China Unicom, through $1bn bond conversion into shares.

Teliasonera will sell off its 49% share in Lattelecom (Latvia), and will raise its stake in Latvijas Mobilais Telefons (LMT) to 100%.

Brasil Telecom and Tele Norte Leste merger is blessed by the Brazilian government. A new decree will facilitate the merger.

AIG Investments has increased its stake in BTC (Bulgarian Telecom) to 90%.

Algeria Telecom could be a target for Portugal Telecom.

Transcorp is buying Nitel (Nigeria).