Etisalat inks satellite backhaul deal with O3b Networks
O3b Networks, the developer of a high-speed, satellite-based internet network for telecommunications operators and ISPs has signed a global framework agreement with Etisalat.
This deal will allow any of Etisalat’s Operating Companies to benefit from O3b services under a separate bilateral agreement.
The five year agreement will witness O3b provide mobile backhaul, trunking and next generation services to Etisalat’s subsidiaries.
According to John Finney, Chief Commercial Officer, O3b Networks, Ltd, they are delighted to have reached this agreement with Etisalat Group. Continuous availability of right priced, bulk capacity will enable carriers like Etisalat Group OpCos to meet their long term capacity needs. This deal further highlights the demand for O3b’s quality offer of faster, more affordable connectivity available to everyone.
O3b Networks is supported by SES, Google, Liberty Global, HSBC Principal Investments, Northbridge Venture Partners, Allen & Company, Development Bank of Southern Africa, Sofina and Satya Capital.
KDDI to reduce stake in J:COM (Japan)
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Japan’s second largest telecoms group KDDI Corp is set to buy a reduced stake in the firm from its owner US-based Liberty Global to scale back its aspirations for Japanese cable network operator J:COM. On January 25, a USD4 billion cash deal was signed between KDDI Corp and cable TV operator Jupiter Telecommunications (J:COM) from Liberty Global Inc. as per which 38% stake of the latter was acquired by the former.
Through this deal, KDDI hopes to get an access to a potential 3.2 million households for telephony services and simultaneously reduce its reliance of using NTT’s fibre-optic networks.
Soon after that, the deal got entangled and investigation into the legality of the plan was started by the regulators who were looking to slap an USD884 million fine on KDDI. According to KDDI spokeswoman Kayo Sekine at that time, the company will cooperate if the FSA should make a formal request for information and adhere to any FSA guidance. However, no comment was given on the rumored USD884 million fines.
Chile to reinstate local fixed wireless licences
The Chilean government has said it will soon sign contracts awarding wireless in the local loop (WiLL) telephony licences to Telmex and Liberty Global’s VTR, following the failure of incumbent telco Telefonica Chile to halt the tender process in the courts. The Santiago administration actually awarded the two disputed concessions last December, but Telefonica Chile subsequently filed a lawsuit seeking to annul the tender. However, a Chilean court recently rejected the case, paving the way for the concessions to be reinstated. Telmex will be awarded a licence allowing it to offer WiLL services across the country, while VTR will be given a regional concession.
Source- telegeography Wireless Mobile Telecom
