PLDT to launch bundled services to support fixed line business
Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) is launching an innovative fixed line service with a touch-screen tablet device and internet connection under one service plan, in a bid to kick-start its flagging landline business.
According to the company, the bundled ‘PLDT TelPad’ unit would include a handset that can serve as the charging dock for a seven-inch touch-screen tablet computer. Subscribers can use the handset or the portable tablet computer to make and receive phone calls and access over 100,000 online applications. This is with the unlimited broadband access of the bundled service. The operator’s new phone uses Google’s Android OS and has a 2GB storage facility, extendable via flash cards.
According to the group’s Senior Vice President, Eric R Alberto, the company hopes to establish a new market segment by encouraging early adopters to the new service. The company has packed the PLDT TelPad with features that will dramatically change how they use landlines. With its growing number of [so-called] ‘netizens,’ they think they are ready for an innovative service such as the PLDT TelPad,. The launch is part of the telco’s strategy to revive the relevance of fixed line telephony and to expand the value proposition of the landline in the home.
UBS Cuts Telekom Austria To Neutral
1558 GMT [Dow Jones] UBS cuts Telekom Austria (TKA) to neutral from buy, lowers target to EUR21.40 from EUR23.80, following the outcome of Sunday’s elections. Says comments from the Social Democrats, who won the vote, suggest they would halt the privatization of companies such as Telekom Austria, especially in the fixed line business. Notes however if a ruling coalition includes Conservatives a sale of the mobile operations is still possible and would offer around 8% upside to Telekom Austria’s current price target. Still sees company’s operationals as solid. Sees further scope for increased share holder returns, even if a cash use review seems unlikely before ’07. Shares close -7.8% at EUR18.35. (JUM)
Source- http://www.newratings.com
