Operator fixed networks N49

France Telecom intends to buy out Equant, a 54% subsidiary specialized in global communications services for multinational businesses. The deal is worth about € 560m.

MCI will resell cable modem connections to its portfolio of broadband services through deals with Cox and Time Warner Cable.

Comcast and Cox (two NA MSOs) have bought Liberate’s NA business for $ 82m, and grab its interactive TV software patents and license agreements. Liberate will retain its European business for the time being.

EVN (Vietnamese electricity provider) intends to enter the telecom service market.

Telecom Italia has sold its 55% stake in Chile’s ENTEL for $ 934m to Almendral SA, a Chilean holding company.

KPN increases its ADSL service to 8 Mbit/s.

Bellsouth is pushing fiber closer to the home, but does not intend to make a direct connection to the home.

Teliasonera Sweden launched digital TV service via broadband internet access.