BT to open access to underground ducts (UK)
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Open access to underground ducts is under preparation by British fixed line incumbent BT. BT’s rivals installing their own fibre-optic cabling in the duct can be seen on the implementation of this plan. The cable will effectively allow them to operate rival high speed broadband networks without facing the cost of digging to lay the cables.
According to Ian Livingston, BT’s chief executive, the company told regulator Ofcom last year that it is willing to provide open access to its ducts and although it’s unlikely to get fibre to every home, open access to all ducts might help BT and others extend coverage and so they expect government support.
MobiFone reports 52% rise in revenue (Vietnam)
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: 52 % year-on-year rise in revenue in the year ended December 31, 2009, has been reported by Vietnam’s second largest wireless operator by subscribers, MobiFone, reaching VND27.4 trillion (USD1.48 billion).
However, pre-tax profit of the company fell 3.4% compared to 2008 to VND5.6 trillion. The net income of the company is not yet declared. The company is targeting revenue of VND34 trillion in 2010. According to the MobiFone, it is quickly preparing for the privatization process this year in an attempt to improve competitiveness.
It was revealed in 2008 that that in an initial public offering (IPO), 15% tranche would be sold to a strategic investor and 15% to the public. Even after IPO, 19% of the stake might also be sold reducing state-owned Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications’ (VNPT’s) stake to 51%.
Qatar telecom plans increased investment in Iraq, Algeria
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Due to potential for expansion in the Iraqi and Algerian telecoms markets, Qatar telecom is contemplating increased investments in the two countries.
According to the CEO of Qatar Telecom (Qtel), Nasser Marafih, the global financial crisis had some positive impact on Qtel’s businesses in the sense that the lowering of license fees worldwide to a ‘more realistic’ level meant it was cheaper to expand into new markets. He also feels that the lower prices will create further opportunities for Qtel’s acquisitions in the future.
36.2% of mobile operator Wataniya Telecom Algeria (Nedjma) is controlled by Qtel via 71% stake held by Kuwaiti-based Wataniya Telecom (NMTC). 14 communication companies in 17 countries are currently controlled by Qtel. However, all the plans to expand the business in the African market are abandoned by the company due to tough competition.
Warid’s stake not to be sold by Abu Dhabi Group
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Reports regarding the sale of stake in the Pakistani telecommunications operator Warid telecom, owned by the Abu Dhabi Group, have been denied by the company.
According to Bashir Tahir, the chief executive of the Abu Dhabi Group, Warid Telecom Pakistan is not being sold off but rather is on course with its expansion plans.
Earlier it was reported that the Abu Dhabi Group is in talks with several groups to divest a considerable shareholding along with management control in Warid Telecom. The deal would have created the largest mobile phone operator in the country.
