Mobile operator strategies - 28/9/05

Bouygues Telecom could be interested in buying French ISP Iliad (Free). The move could make sense as Bouygues could gain some fixed (both copper and WiMAX wireless) and internet businesses while offering mobile expertise to Free. In addition, Iliad could be the ideal missing element between Bouygues and TF1, a French private broadcaster and member of the Bouygues Group, in order to distribute TV on internet.

South Korea mobile operators are asked to cut mobile rates. Lawmakers and customers are demanding free SMS and caller ID services.

Bellsouth has sold its 35% stake in Cellcom (Israel) for $625m.

O2 will launch i-mode, a mobile Internet service in the UK, from Oct, 1.

SK Telecom (South Korea) plans to invest $490 million next year in building 3G mobile phone networks.