TOT launches 3G network in Thailand
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: The launch of 3G network by Thailand’s state-controlled mobile network TOT got a cold response from the subscribers. However, initially the network will be available only in Bangkok and the areas surrounding it. Expansion of the network in the near future relies on the auction of the 3G license.
National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) will offer four licenses- three of 10 Mhz and a fourth with 15Mhz of radio spectrum while the reserve price will range between US$100-US$200 million. The process will not take place until next year as there is a lack of executives to form a quorum.
Small trials of 3G networks are already run by the current operators over their existing GSM radio spectrum, while CAT Telecom which is a CDMA operator, is seeking an overseas investor to assist in 3G rollout plans
Telenor to deconsolidate Kyivstar
Telecompaper writes…Telenor has decided to stop consolidating the results of Ukrainian mobile operator Kyivstar, in which it holds 56.5 percent. The move comes amid Telenor’s ongoing dispute with Russia’s Alfa group over control of Kyivstar. Alfa holds 43.5 percent of the Ukrainian company and has filed in recent months a number of additional legal actions which have prevented Kyivstar from supplying finanial information to its international auditors and shareholders, including Telenor. Kyivstar was unable to achieve a valid quorum in shareholder meetings last year due to the shareholder dispute, and Alfa is disputing the management’s power to appoint auditors. The injunctions obtained by Alfa and its affiliates prohibit Telenor’s use of financial information already provided by Kyivstar and stop Kyivstar and Telenor’s auditors from carrying out any work on Kyivstar’s year-end financial statements. An additional injunction purports to prohibit Kyivstar from disseminating any financial information that has not been approved by its board or shareholders, and to prohibit anyone from using any such financial information in their consolidated accounts. Telenor is contesting the measures in its ongoing international arbitration proceedings and until the issue is resolved, it will classify Kyivstar as a one-line investment in its accounts. The Norwegian company subsequently revised its outlook for 2007 to exclude the Ukrainian operator, cutting its sales growth outlook to 0-5 percent, the EBITDA margin to 32 percent and the capex-sales ratio to 20 percent. When adjusting 2006 figures to exclude Kyistar, the revenue growth for 2007 would be 15-20 percent. The Telenor board will consider the implications for its 2006 annual report in the coming week.
