Zain acquires Iraqna for $1.2 billion
Mobile Telecommunications Company K.S.C. ("Zain") announced today that it has concluded a binding agreement for the purchase of 100% of the share capital of Iraqna Company for Mobile Phone Services Ltd. ("Iraqna") a subsidiary of Orascom Telecom Holding, ("The Transaction") for US$ 1.2 billion ("The Purchase Price") through its subsidiary MTC-Atheer.
This acquisition will consolidate MTC-Atheer’s market-leading position in Iraq giving rise to a combined customer base of more than 7 million customers. In August 2007, MTC-Atheer made a successful bid of US$1.25 billion to secure one of three 15-year nationwide licences awarded by the Iraqi Communication and Media Commission.
Commenting on the transaction, Dr. Saad Al Barrak, Managing Director-Deputy Chairman of Zain Group, stated: “We are delighted that MTC-Atheer’s acquisition of Iraqna will create one of the most dynamic and resourceful mobile telecoms companies in Iraq and in the region at large. This investment reinforces and demonstrates our commitment to the future prosperity of Iraq while complementing Zain’s aspirations of becoming a top ten global mobile operator by 2011.”
The expanded MTC-Atheer operation will have the second largest customer base in the Zain Group’s 22 operations across the Middle East and Africa now serving more than 43 million customers.
Ali Al-Dahwi, General Manager of MTC-Atheer said: “This is a proud day for Iraq as we integrate Iraqna into MTC-Atheer, creating the country’s leading telecommunications operator. The combined strengths and skills of our employees will better serve the people of Iraq, offering essential and high quality mobile services to more communities across the nation.”
The resulting MTC-Atheer operation’s network will span over 15,000 sq km, covering all the major populated areas and this network will be further expanded to cover all of Iraq in the future. Recently MTC-Atheer extended its services to Kirkuk in the north of Iraq.
The enhanced MTC-Atheer operation in Iraq will be re-branded Zain in early 2008.
UBS Investment Bank acted as sole financial advisor to Zain.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Canada - Mobile reforms
Policy Framework for the Auction for Spectrum Licences for Advanced Wireless Services and other Spectrum in the 2 GHz Range
This paper provides policy decisions on the key elements of the policy framework for the auction for spectrum licences in the 2 GHz range including Advanced Wireless Services (AWS).
On February 16, 2007, Industry Canada announced in Canada Gazette Notice DGTP-002-07, the release of a paper entitled Consultation on a Framework to Auction Spectrum in the 2 GHz Range including Advanced Wireless Services. The deadline for the receipt of comments was May 25, 2007 and there was an opportunity to provide reply comments by June 27, 2007. Sixty parties provided comments which were posted on Industry Canada's Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website.
The department has taken into account all comments received and wishes to thank participants for their views.
The policy decisions contained in this paper are final. The auction framework document will be issued before the end of 2007 and will elaborate auction application procedures, licensing parameters, technical considerations, bidder applications and timing for next steps such as a mock auction for bidder familiarization. In making this announcement now, the department's intention is to provide as much clarity and certainty as possible for potential participants in the auction in a timely manner. The department intends to move quickly to ensure there are no delays in the auction, which is expected to be held in the first half of 2008.
In addition, Industry Canada will undertake a supplementary public consultation on specific changes to the conditions of licence for current licensees to implement the policy measures announced in this document. This supplementary consultation will be announced in a notice in the Canada Gazette, Part I to be published as soon as possible. The consultation will also be posted on Industry Canada's Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website. Following the consultation, the final conditions of licence will be made public so that all those affected are aware of the changes prior to the deadline for auction applications.
This paper provides policy decisions on the key elements of the policy framework for the auction for spectrum licences in the 2 GHz range including Advanced Wireless Services (AWS).
On February 16, 2007, Industry Canada announced in Canada Gazette Notice DGTP-002-07, the release of a paper entitled Consultation on a Framework to Auction Spectrum in the 2 GHz Range including Advanced Wireless Services. The deadline for the receipt of comments was May 25, 2007 and there was an opportunity to provide reply comments by June 27, 2007. Sixty parties provided comments which were posted on Industry Canada's Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website.
The department has taken into account all comments received and wishes to thank participants for their views.
The policy decisions contained in this paper are final. The auction framework document will be issued before the end of 2007 and will elaborate auction application procedures, licensing parameters, technical considerations, bidder applications and timing for next steps such as a mock auction for bidder familiarization. In making this announcement now, the department's intention is to provide as much clarity and certainty as possible for potential participants in the auction in a timely manner. The department intends to move quickly to ensure there are no delays in the auction, which is expected to be held in the first half of 2008.
In addition, Industry Canada will undertake a supplementary public consultation on specific changes to the conditions of licence for current licensees to implement the policy measures announced in this document. This supplementary consultation will be announced in a notice in the Canada Gazette, Part I to be published as soon as possible. The consultation will also be posted on Industry Canada's Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website. Following the consultation, the final conditions of licence will be made public so that all those affected are aware of the changes prior to the deadline for auction applications.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Europe - spectrum decisions
2835th Council meeting Transport, Telecommunications and Energy, Brussels, 29-30 November/3 December 2007
Delegations agreed with the objectives of the Commission's proposals. However several Member States expressed their doubts related in particular to the need for a creation of a new European Agency and to the extension of the Commission's competence in terms of regulatory conditions or frequency administration.
Noted the EC proposal for the inclusion of Digital Video Broadcast transmission to handheld terminals (DVB-H), as non-mandatory standard, in the official list of standards of the EU, in accordance with Article 17(1) of the Framework Directive 2002/21/EC, in order to accelerate the deployment of terrestrial Mobile TV broadcasting services throughout the EU.
The repeal of the GSM Directive.
Ageing well in the information society
Delegations agreed with the objectives of the Commission's proposals. However several Member States expressed their doubts related in particular to the need for a creation of a new European Agency and to the extension of the Commission's competence in terms of regulatory conditions or frequency administration.
Noted the EC proposal for the inclusion of Digital Video Broadcast transmission to handheld terminals (DVB-H), as non-mandatory standard, in the official list of standards of the EU, in accordance with Article 17(1) of the Framework Directive 2002/21/EC, in order to accelerate the deployment of terrestrial Mobile TV broadcasting services throughout the EU.
The repeal of the GSM Directive.
Ageing well in the information society
Africa - EaSSy - undersea cable
East African Submarine Cable System reaches financial close-The African Development Bank Signs Loans for the EASSy Cable Project
Tunis, 23 November 2007 – The African Development Bank (AfDB), along with other participating development financial institutions (DFIs) have signed loan agreements for the East African Submarine Cable System (EASSy), the landmark fibre-optic cable project that will connect 22 coastal and land-locked African countries to each other and the rest of the world with high-quality Internet and international communications services.
EASSy is an initiative sponsored by 25 telecommunications operators, most of which are African. The project will construct and operate a submarine fibre-optic cable along the east coast of Africa that will run for 10,000 kilometers from the continent’s southern tip to the African horn, connecting South Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti, and Sudan. Another 13 adjoining countries will also be linked to the system as terrestrial backbone networks including Botswana, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Chad, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Rwanda, Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The EASSy project will also provide the last link to completely encircle Africa with high-capacity fiber-optic telecommunications networks.
The AfDB’s financing will be channeled through the EASSy Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that is also known as the West Indian Ocean Cable Company, or WIOCC, and consists of a $14.5 million senior loan. The cable will transform the telecommunications landscape in the region as it improves access for 250 million Africans and substantially reduces costs for consumers and businesses. Construction will begin in December 2007 and the EASSy cable is expected to be fully operational in time for the 2010 FIFA Football World Cup to be hosted by South Africa.
The AfDB, the French development Agency (AFD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), Germany’s Development Bank (KfW) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank group will provide the project’s entire long-term loan financing of $70.7 million, with $14.5 million to come from the AfDB. The total project cost is $235 million and the balance will be provided by the 25 private telecommunications operators wgho will operate the cable as a consortium. These Telecom operators, including 21 African operators, will be the main users of capacity on the cable.
Contrary to previous cables in the African continent that were built on the “closed-club” structure, EASSy is built on a Hybrid SPV Development model. This model will allow smaller operators to participate in the cable consortium at reduced individual entry investments. EASSy also adheres to the main development objectives of “Open Access", Non-discriminatory and Affordable pricing. The cable will act as a crucial medium of internet connectivity to carry telecom traffic for all African operators from the Eastern and Southern African markets to onward connecting Cable networks in Europe, Asia and the Americas.
After years of collaboration between the African Development Bank, World Bank Group and other global and regional development institutions, governments, and the region’s private sector, the project brings together the public and private sectors to expand Telecommunications Infrastructure. EASSy provides a model for future generations of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) that will be necessary to create the enabling environment for private sector participation in Africa.
The EASSy project will also foster regional integration in line with NEPAD and the AfDB’s strategic objectives. The EASSy project will contribute to the socio-economic development of the region through the expansion of inter-Africa trade, facilitated by lower costs and better communication. The expected increase in employment and income for the regions will help to reduce poverty and lead to sustainable development. Additionally, the EASSy project will help in breaking the barriers of social and geographical isolation and assist the population in its quest to access information and continued education.
Europe - ECTA Regulatory Scorecard
2007 Regulatory Scorecard
ECTA Regulatory Scorecards are studies on the effectiveness of regulation and the link between effective regulation and investment.
The question of how best to drive growth and innovation in the telecoms sector is high on the agenda with the 2006 review of the Electronic Communications Framework. Europe has to choose between two paths for the future of the telecoms sector: competitiveness, choice and investment or re-monopolisation and stagnation. By measuring the powers and performance of NRAs and the regulatory regimes overall, the Scorecard Report seeks to determine how effectively each of 16 countries promotes investment and competition as at 31st August 2005.
The Regulatory Scorecard, commissioned by ECTA, concludes that across 16 EU countries, investment in telecoms has suffered where regulation has failed to tackle dominant companies, whilst countries that have opened their markets to competition by imposing effective regulation have stormed ahead.
ECTA Regulatory Scorecards are studies on the effectiveness of regulation and the link between effective regulation and investment.
The question of how best to drive growth and innovation in the telecoms sector is high on the agenda with the 2006 review of the Electronic Communications Framework. Europe has to choose between two paths for the future of the telecoms sector: competitiveness, choice and investment or re-monopolisation and stagnation. By measuring the powers and performance of NRAs and the regulatory regimes overall, the Scorecard Report seeks to determine how effectively each of 16 countries promotes investment and competition as at 31st August 2005.
The Regulatory Scorecard, commissioned by ECTA, concludes that across 16 EU countries, investment in telecoms has suffered where regulation has failed to tackle dominant companies, whilst countries that have opened their markets to competition by imposing effective regulation have stormed ahead.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Australia - Telstra
Telstra looking for a quickie deal over broadband
TELSTRA has issued a brash challenge to the new Rudd Government, claiming it could start building a $4.7 super fast national broadband network within days.
The call came despite Telstra having no guarantees it would be even considered a front-runner to win the lucrative contract.
Telstra's regulatory affairs chief Dr Phil Burgess claimed yesterday the telco could start digging construction holes within 48 hours, if given the green light.
Analysts labelled the call as arrogant and presumptuous and a sign Telstra's relationship with the Rudd Government would be even more heated than with the former Howard Government.
Using broadband as a key election platform, Kevin Rudd has promised to spend almost $5 billion to build an open-access national high-speed broadband fibre network.
Despite Telstra's enthusiasm, it's unlikely any fibre rollout will start before late next year. But that did not prevent Dr Burgess from laying an early claim to the project.
"We're prepared with a plan, with the money and the talent and technology to get the job done," he said.
"Within 48 hours we can start digging holes."
An Optus-led group of telcos, known as the G9, also said it was keen to build the network on Labor's terms. "Optus and the G9 look forward to the commencement of a competitive selection process for the right to build a national broadband network, and we intend to participate vigorously in the process," said an Optus spokeswoman.
Telco analyst Paul Budde said the only way Telstra would be given a green light to start construction would be if it accepted that rivals would have open access to the infrastructure.
However he doubted that Telstra would be party to such a plan, as Labor appears determined to prevent further monopolisation of the industry.
"This is a continuation of their bad behaviour they have shown in the past," he said.
It is believed a tender process will be issued for the construction of the broadband network, with international parties invited to apply.
TELSTRA has issued a brash challenge to the new Rudd Government, claiming it could start building a $4.7 super fast national broadband network within days.
The call came despite Telstra having no guarantees it would be even considered a front-runner to win the lucrative contract.
Telstra's regulatory affairs chief Dr Phil Burgess claimed yesterday the telco could start digging construction holes within 48 hours, if given the green light.
Analysts labelled the call as arrogant and presumptuous and a sign Telstra's relationship with the Rudd Government would be even more heated than with the former Howard Government.
Using broadband as a key election platform, Kevin Rudd has promised to spend almost $5 billion to build an open-access national high-speed broadband fibre network.
Despite Telstra's enthusiasm, it's unlikely any fibre rollout will start before late next year. But that did not prevent Dr Burgess from laying an early claim to the project.
"We're prepared with a plan, with the money and the talent and technology to get the job done," he said.
"Within 48 hours we can start digging holes."
An Optus-led group of telcos, known as the G9, also said it was keen to build the network on Labor's terms. "Optus and the G9 look forward to the commencement of a competitive selection process for the right to build a national broadband network, and we intend to participate vigorously in the process," said an Optus spokeswoman.
Telco analyst Paul Budde said the only way Telstra would be given a green light to start construction would be if it accepted that rivals would have open access to the infrastructure.
However he doubted that Telstra would be party to such a plan, as Labor appears determined to prevent further monopolisation of the industry.
"This is a continuation of their bad behaviour they have shown in the past," he said.
It is believed a tender process will be issued for the construction of the broadband network, with international parties invited to apply.
Europe - Mobile telephony
Nearly one mobile phone subscription per inhabitant in the EU27 in 2005
The number of mobile telephone subscriptions has increased almost fourteen times between 1996 and 2005 in the EU27, from 7 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants in 1996 to 96 in 2005. In 2005, thirteen Member States had more than 100 mobile phone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. Luxembourg (158), Lithuania (127), Italy (122), the Czech Republic (115) and Portugal (111) registered the highest ratios and Romania (62), Poland (76), France (77) and Bulgaria (80) the lowest.
In contrast, the number of fixed telephone lines per 100 inhabitants in the EU27 has only increased slightly in this period, from 43 lines per 100 inhabitants in 1996 to 48 in 2005. The pattern in the Member States varies: the number of fixed telephone lines has fallen in twelve Member States, while it increased in fourteen and remained stable in one. The Member States with the highest number of fixed telephone lines per 100 inhabitants in 2005 were Germany (67), Denmark (61), France and Sweden (both 58), and the lowest were Romania (20), Slovakia (22), Lithuania (23), the Czech Republic and Poland (both 31)
The number of mobile telephone subscriptions has increased almost fourteen times between 1996 and 2005 in the EU27, from 7 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants in 1996 to 96 in 2005. In 2005, thirteen Member States had more than 100 mobile phone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. Luxembourg (158), Lithuania (127), Italy (122), the Czech Republic (115) and Portugal (111) registered the highest ratios and Romania (62), Poland (76), France (77) and Bulgaria (80) the lowest.
In contrast, the number of fixed telephone lines per 100 inhabitants in the EU27 has only increased slightly in this period, from 43 lines per 100 inhabitants in 1996 to 48 in 2005. The pattern in the Member States varies: the number of fixed telephone lines has fallen in twelve Member States, while it increased in fourteen and remained stable in one. The Member States with the highest number of fixed telephone lines per 100 inhabitants in 2005 were Germany (67), Denmark (61), France and Sweden (both 58), and the lowest were Romania (20), Slovakia (22), Lithuania (23), the Czech Republic and Poland (both 31)
UK - competition law - private remedies
OFT publishes recommendations on private actions in competition law
The OFT has today published recommendations to Government to improve the effectiveness of redress for consumers and businesses that have suffered loss as a result of breaches of competition law. The recommendations follow an informal consultation on an OFT discussion paper published in April.
Infringements of competition law cause significant harm to both consumers and businesses. Recent experience shows that harm to consumers may run into tens of millions of pounds in any given case. However, responses to the consultation have confirmed that consumers and businesses wishing to bring legal proceedings continue to face significant barriers. As a result, their prospects of obtaining redress remain remote and the incentives for business to comply with competition law are more limited than was intended. The OFT recommends that Government consult on a number of proposed measures to make private actions in competition law as effective as the Government's 2001 White Paper, A World Class Competition Regime, intended them to be.
Philip Collins, OFT Chairman, said:
'An effective private actions system will enable consumers and businesses to obtain redress where they have suffered loss as a result of unlawful agreements or conduct. Increasing the incentives of businesses to comply with competition law will stimulate interest in good corporate governance and encourage the development of a competition culture, in which responsible business leaders and boards recognise the benefits of competition in properly functioning, open markets. This will have positive effects on the productivity and competitiveness of the UK economy.'
See also Private actions in competition law: effective redress for consumers and business - recommendations
The OFT has today published recommendations to Government to improve the effectiveness of redress for consumers and businesses that have suffered loss as a result of breaches of competition law. The recommendations follow an informal consultation on an OFT discussion paper published in April.
Infringements of competition law cause significant harm to both consumers and businesses. Recent experience shows that harm to consumers may run into tens of millions of pounds in any given case. However, responses to the consultation have confirmed that consumers and businesses wishing to bring legal proceedings continue to face significant barriers. As a result, their prospects of obtaining redress remain remote and the incentives for business to comply with competition law are more limited than was intended. The OFT recommends that Government consult on a number of proposed measures to make private actions in competition law as effective as the Government's 2001 White Paper, A World Class Competition Regime, intended them to be.
Philip Collins, OFT Chairman, said:
'An effective private actions system will enable consumers and businesses to obtain redress where they have suffered loss as a result of unlawful agreements or conduct. Increasing the incentives of businesses to comply with competition law will stimulate interest in good corporate governance and encourage the development of a competition culture, in which responsible business leaders and boards recognise the benefits of competition in properly functioning, open markets. This will have positive effects on the productivity and competitiveness of the UK economy.'
See also Private actions in competition law: effective redress for consumers and business - recommendations
UK - Broadband 2.0 - FTTH
UK 'must keep up' on broadband
Britain must ensure its broadband infrastructure does not lag behind those of other global players, industry experts have been told.
Addressing a broadband summit, Competitiveness Minister Stephen Timms said the UK must keep up with broadband developments.
BT, Virgin, the BBC, ITV and Cable and Wireless were among the organisations represented at the summit.
Mr Timms said: "When next-generation broadband starts to emerge, I don't want it to be claimed that Britain is being left behind. We need to work together to avoid the non-availability in Britain of commercially significant services emerging in the US and elsewhere."
The widespread availability of higher-speed broadband could create opportunities for new services and broadband uses, he added.
The summit was described as an opportunity for Government and the broadband industry to discuss the future of broadband. It follows a report released in September by Ofcom that warned the UK's current broadband network would be unable to meet future customer demand for very high speed connections.
The communications regulator said operators would have to make "significant" investment in overhauling the existing infrastructure.
Commenting ahead of the summit, Virgin Media pledged to launch 50 megabit broadband next year. This would be far quicker than the firm's existing broadband connection speeds.
Virgin Media acting CEO Neil Berkett said: "We'll never know exactly what demand there'll be for super-fast broadband until it's in people's homes and workplaces up and down the UK.
"What we do know is that our cable network has a unique potential to revolutionise consumers' experience and we're convinced that 2008 is the moment to take the lead with the commercial launch of a 50-megabit product."
Britain must ensure its broadband infrastructure does not lag behind those of other global players, industry experts have been told.
Addressing a broadband summit, Competitiveness Minister Stephen Timms said the UK must keep up with broadband developments.
BT, Virgin, the BBC, ITV and Cable and Wireless were among the organisations represented at the summit.
Mr Timms said: "When next-generation broadband starts to emerge, I don't want it to be claimed that Britain is being left behind. We need to work together to avoid the non-availability in Britain of commercially significant services emerging in the US and elsewhere."
The widespread availability of higher-speed broadband could create opportunities for new services and broadband uses, he added.
The summit was described as an opportunity for Government and the broadband industry to discuss the future of broadband. It follows a report released in September by Ofcom that warned the UK's current broadband network would be unable to meet future customer demand for very high speed connections.
The communications regulator said operators would have to make "significant" investment in overhauling the existing infrastructure.
Commenting ahead of the summit, Virgin Media pledged to launch 50 megabit broadband next year. This would be far quicker than the firm's existing broadband connection speeds.
Virgin Media acting CEO Neil Berkett said: "We'll never know exactly what demand there'll be for super-fast broadband until it's in people's homes and workplaces up and down the UK.
"What we do know is that our cable network has a unique potential to revolutionise consumers' experience and we're convinced that 2008 is the moment to take the lead with the commercial launch of a 50-megabit product."
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Fiji - liberalisation
Govt to announce an open call market
The interim regime is expected to announce that Fiji's telecommunications market is finally open next Tuesday.
A special Cabinet meeting is scheduled for Tuesday to endorse the way forward.
All operators are expected to have obtained their board endorsement of the terms of agreement by tomorrow, a statement from the Ministry of Communications said.
A public announcement outlining the details of the new order will be made following the special cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday.
The Government and directors and management of Telecom Fiji Limited, Vodafone Fiji Limited, Fiji International Telecommunications Limited and Amalgamated Telecom Holdings Limited participated in a mediation over four days, starting Friday last week.
It was facilitated by World Bank appointed mediators to agree conditions for deregulating the telecommunications industry.
Extensive dialogue and negotiations has resulted in an agreement between all parties with the intention of achieving an orderly transition to a competitive telecoms regime in Fiji, subject only to Cabinet and board approval of the signatories, the statement said.
"All parties look forward to bringing the process to a productive and collaborative conclusion," it stated.
Communications Minister Taito Waradi said the outcome of this mediation is no doubt an historical event that would contribute enormously to the economic, social and cultural development for the people of Fiji, now and into the future.
"It is also a historical event for Government as we bring the telecom operators and government together through the mediation process in a meaningful and effective manner to chart a map for the orderly reform of Fiji's telecommunications sector."
Waradi said the parties have agreed to the form and shape of the "new order" and where the current incumbent operators should fit into the new deregulated environment.
The interim regime is expected to announce that Fiji's telecommunications market is finally open next Tuesday.
A special Cabinet meeting is scheduled for Tuesday to endorse the way forward.
All operators are expected to have obtained their board endorsement of the terms of agreement by tomorrow, a statement from the Ministry of Communications said.
A public announcement outlining the details of the new order will be made following the special cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday.
The Government and directors and management of Telecom Fiji Limited, Vodafone Fiji Limited, Fiji International Telecommunications Limited and Amalgamated Telecom Holdings Limited participated in a mediation over four days, starting Friday last week.
It was facilitated by World Bank appointed mediators to agree conditions for deregulating the telecommunications industry.
Extensive dialogue and negotiations has resulted in an agreement between all parties with the intention of achieving an orderly transition to a competitive telecoms regime in Fiji, subject only to Cabinet and board approval of the signatories, the statement said.
"All parties look forward to bringing the process to a productive and collaborative conclusion," it stated.
Communications Minister Taito Waradi said the outcome of this mediation is no doubt an historical event that would contribute enormously to the economic, social and cultural development for the people of Fiji, now and into the future.
"It is also a historical event for Government as we bring the telecom operators and government together through the mediation process in a meaningful and effective manner to chart a map for the orderly reform of Fiji's telecommunications sector."
Waradi said the parties have agreed to the form and shape of the "new order" and where the current incumbent operators should fit into the new deregulated environment.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Equador - affordability and QoS
Ecuador wants cell phones for the poor
QUITO (Reuters) - Ecuador has contacted foreign mobile firms to negotiate new contracts that would impose higher penalties over operational errors and push companies to create a fund that would provide cell phone service to the poor, a government official said on Thursday.
"We are putting emphasis on sanctions... and that companies should comply with their taxes," said Jaime Guerrero, the head of Ecuador's telecommunications secretary, without giving more details on other economic measures in new contracts.
He said companies could donate 1 percent of their revenues to create a fund for the poor.
President Rafael Correa wants to rework contracts with mobile firms to raise the state participation, improve service and lower rates. He has warned that if companies do not comply with the new regulations they can leave the country.
Porta, a unit of Mexico's America Movil, and Movistar, owned by Telefonica, control 96 percent of the Andean country's market and are in talks with the government to extend their concessions for 15 years.
Guerrero warned authorities will continue to probe Porta over service errors that could lead to the termination of its contract. Ecuador earlier this month threatened to end Porta's contract if the company fails to fix a series of service failures by December.
Guerrero called on courts to ignore any legal actions taken by Porta to annul the government's demands.
Porta, Ecuador's largest mobile firm with more than 6 million clients, has sought arbitration from a local chamber of commerce to block any decision over its contract.
See also Conatel
QUITO (Reuters) - Ecuador has contacted foreign mobile firms to negotiate new contracts that would impose higher penalties over operational errors and push companies to create a fund that would provide cell phone service to the poor, a government official said on Thursday.
"We are putting emphasis on sanctions... and that companies should comply with their taxes," said Jaime Guerrero, the head of Ecuador's telecommunications secretary, without giving more details on other economic measures in new contracts.
He said companies could donate 1 percent of their revenues to create a fund for the poor.
President Rafael Correa wants to rework contracts with mobile firms to raise the state participation, improve service and lower rates. He has warned that if companies do not comply with the new regulations they can leave the country.
Porta, a unit of Mexico's America Movil, and Movistar, owned by Telefonica, control 96 percent of the Andean country's market and are in talks with the government to extend their concessions for 15 years.
Guerrero warned authorities will continue to probe Porta over service errors that could lead to the termination of its contract. Ecuador earlier this month threatened to end Porta's contract if the company fails to fix a series of service failures by December.
Guerrero called on courts to ignore any legal actions taken by Porta to annul the government's demands.
Porta, Ecuador's largest mobile firm with more than 6 million clients, has sought arbitration from a local chamber of commerce to block any decision over its contract.
See also Conatel
Africa - SEACOM - undersea cable
SEACOM closes financing, starts construction of undersea fibre optic cable
Transcontinental Investment Boosts South and East African Economic and Social Development with High Capacity Link to India and Europe
African investors have taken a significant majority stake in SEACOM’s undersea broadband cable, joining hands with an international partner to link southern and east Africa with India and Europe in a massive technological boost to economic and social development on the continent.
The investors today gave the green light for construction of the state-of-the-art cable, committing financing for the broadband link from Mtunzini in South Africa to Mumbai in India and Marseille in France via Mozambique, Madagascar, Kenya, and Tanzania.
“This is a major milestone in the development of advanced broadband infrastructure for Africa by Africans”, said SEACOM President Brian Herlihy. “Ten years ago, very few believed African markets were capable of the tremendous growth experienced in the mobile industry. Today, we see the dawn of a similar revolution in the growth of data communications.”
High bandwidth at low costs will be a catalyst for productivity and the growth of service industries such as call-centres, back offices and research institutions in Africa. The additional bandwidth offered by the new cable will also contribute significantly to bringing the cost of connectivity down.
SEACOM has already invested more than $10-million in the marine survey and engineering of the cable. This advance work has allowed SEACOM to maintain its ready for service date of June 2009. Actual production of the high-tech cable and undersea repeaters start next week.
With more than three quarters of SEACOM’s shares owned by African investors, and agreements with service providers already in place or being finalised in most countries, the cable will provide a major boost to the continent’s international connectivity, and with it to economic and social development in Africa.
The US$ 650-million cable covers more than 15,000km. The investors in SEACOM are Industrial Promotion Services (25%), an arm of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, Venfin Limited (25%), Herakles Telecom LLC (25%), Convergence Partners (12,5%), and the Shanduka Group (12.5%). Nedbank Capital, the investment banking arm of Nedbank Limited, was appointed as the Mandated Lead Arranger for all debt funding requirements of the project and the funding will be provided by Nedbank Capital and Investec Bank.
“The agreements signed today make the SEACOM broadband cable a reality for Africa, and with it access to much cheaper, much faster fibre optic links between countries in the south and east of the continent to the rest of the world,” said Lutaf Kassam, CEO of IPS in Kenya. “I am delighted that it has been possible to assemble a group of African investors to bring the prospect of progress and prosperity to many Africans in this manner.”
By providing an enormous 1.28 Terrabytes per second of broadband capacity (approximately ten times larger than the capacity on the SAT-3 cable system), SEACOM aims to bring prices for businesses, institutions, communities, and individuals down significantly. Providing sufficient bandwidth to accommodate high definition TV, peer to peer networks, IPTV, and surging Internet demand, SEACOM will make a direct contribution to meeting the New Partnership for Africa’s Development’s (NEPAD’s) goals of development for Africa’s renewal and its full and beneficial integration into the global economy. SEACOM will provide the first access to true broadband connectivity for countries on Africa’s Eastern seaboard which are presently 100% reliant on expensive satellite solutions.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our continent, because the cable gives us the technical capacity for much closer integration into the world economy where Africa will significantly share in the new opportunities and efficiency gains arising from this project,” said Shanduka Chairman Cyril Ramaphosa. “We are extremely happy that the investors from South and East Africa have partnered with an international counterpart around our shared vision of linking Africa to the world in the spirit of NEPAD.”
SEACOM continues to engage governments in southern and east Africa in a concerted effort to ensure maximum benefit for the continent from the new broadband cable. At the core of the discussions, which are characterised by a spirit of cooperation and a very positive atmosphere, is the shared goal of closer working relationships in the interest of faster, cheaper broadband capacity for Africa.
“Improved access for business and individuals in Africa to communications, broadband services and new technology offerings can improve lives and help grow the economies of our countries. The linking of southern and east Africa with India and Europe is crucial for enhancing development and trade between these key regions.” said Andile Ngcaba, chairman of Convergence Partners. “Our agreement to proceed with the building of the cable is a great day for Africa.”
“The importance of this transaction in facilitating the delivery of affordable broadband access to countries in the region cannot be overemphasised as a facilitator of economic growth and as such is one of the most important telecommunications projects in recent years.” said Mike Peo, head of Infrastructure Project Finance at Nedbank Capital. “Nedbank Capital is extremely proud to achieve a first in delivering an innovative limited recourse financing solution through our participation in a project of this nature.”
See earlier announcement by Tyco Telecoms
see also Shanduka and Venfin
Transcontinental Investment Boosts South and East African Economic and Social Development with High Capacity Link to India and Europe
African investors have taken a significant majority stake in SEACOM’s undersea broadband cable, joining hands with an international partner to link southern and east Africa with India and Europe in a massive technological boost to economic and social development on the continent.
The investors today gave the green light for construction of the state-of-the-art cable, committing financing for the broadband link from Mtunzini in South Africa to Mumbai in India and Marseille in France via Mozambique, Madagascar, Kenya, and Tanzania.
“This is a major milestone in the development of advanced broadband infrastructure for Africa by Africans”, said SEACOM President Brian Herlihy. “Ten years ago, very few believed African markets were capable of the tremendous growth experienced in the mobile industry. Today, we see the dawn of a similar revolution in the growth of data communications.”
High bandwidth at low costs will be a catalyst for productivity and the growth of service industries such as call-centres, back offices and research institutions in Africa. The additional bandwidth offered by the new cable will also contribute significantly to bringing the cost of connectivity down.
SEACOM has already invested more than $10-million in the marine survey and engineering of the cable. This advance work has allowed SEACOM to maintain its ready for service date of June 2009. Actual production of the high-tech cable and undersea repeaters start next week.
With more than three quarters of SEACOM’s shares owned by African investors, and agreements with service providers already in place or being finalised in most countries, the cable will provide a major boost to the continent’s international connectivity, and with it to economic and social development in Africa.
The US$ 650-million cable covers more than 15,000km. The investors in SEACOM are Industrial Promotion Services (25%), an arm of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, Venfin Limited (25%), Herakles Telecom LLC (25%), Convergence Partners (12,5%), and the Shanduka Group (12.5%). Nedbank Capital, the investment banking arm of Nedbank Limited, was appointed as the Mandated Lead Arranger for all debt funding requirements of the project and the funding will be provided by Nedbank Capital and Investec Bank.
“The agreements signed today make the SEACOM broadband cable a reality for Africa, and with it access to much cheaper, much faster fibre optic links between countries in the south and east of the continent to the rest of the world,” said Lutaf Kassam, CEO of IPS in Kenya. “I am delighted that it has been possible to assemble a group of African investors to bring the prospect of progress and prosperity to many Africans in this manner.”
By providing an enormous 1.28 Terrabytes per second of broadband capacity (approximately ten times larger than the capacity on the SAT-3 cable system), SEACOM aims to bring prices for businesses, institutions, communities, and individuals down significantly. Providing sufficient bandwidth to accommodate high definition TV, peer to peer networks, IPTV, and surging Internet demand, SEACOM will make a direct contribution to meeting the New Partnership for Africa’s Development’s (NEPAD’s) goals of development for Africa’s renewal and its full and beneficial integration into the global economy. SEACOM will provide the first access to true broadband connectivity for countries on Africa’s Eastern seaboard which are presently 100% reliant on expensive satellite solutions.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our continent, because the cable gives us the technical capacity for much closer integration into the world economy where Africa will significantly share in the new opportunities and efficiency gains arising from this project,” said Shanduka Chairman Cyril Ramaphosa. “We are extremely happy that the investors from South and East Africa have partnered with an international counterpart around our shared vision of linking Africa to the world in the spirit of NEPAD.”
SEACOM continues to engage governments in southern and east Africa in a concerted effort to ensure maximum benefit for the continent from the new broadband cable. At the core of the discussions, which are characterised by a spirit of cooperation and a very positive atmosphere, is the shared goal of closer working relationships in the interest of faster, cheaper broadband capacity for Africa.
“Improved access for business and individuals in Africa to communications, broadband services and new technology offerings can improve lives and help grow the economies of our countries. The linking of southern and east Africa with India and Europe is crucial for enhancing development and trade between these key regions.” said Andile Ngcaba, chairman of Convergence Partners. “Our agreement to proceed with the building of the cable is a great day for Africa.”
“The importance of this transaction in facilitating the delivery of affordable broadband access to countries in the region cannot be overemphasised as a facilitator of economic growth and as such is one of the most important telecommunications projects in recent years.” said Mike Peo, head of Infrastructure Project Finance at Nedbank Capital. “Nedbank Capital is extremely proud to achieve a first in delivering an innovative limited recourse financing solution through our participation in a project of this nature.”
See earlier announcement by Tyco Telecoms
see also Shanduka and Venfin
Roaming - Africa
Africa abolishes roaming as Celtel’s One Network expands
400 million people across 12 countries now connected across Africa in one borderless mobile network covering an area more than twice the size of Europe
Celtel International, a subsidiary of the Zain Group, the leading mobile telecommunications operator in Africa and the Middle East, today announces the introduction of ‘One Network’, the world’s first borderless mobile network to Burkina Faso, Chad, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria and Sudan. These countries now join the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in the network which was initially launched in September 2006 and has been expanded due to increased demand.
The extension of this technological break-through now offers the possibility for nearly half of Africa’s population to make calls at local rates across 12 countries throughout the continent. The expansion of One Network now means the world’s first borderless mobile phone network covers an area more than twice the size of the European Union. Since its launch more than two million people have already used the service.
Announcing the One Network expansion, Zain Group CEO Dr Saad Al Barrak said, “The innovation behind and the expansion of the world’s first borderless mobile phone network is a reflection of our dedication to the African continent and its people. We have revolutionarised telecommunications in Africa and we intend to roll out this service to more of our operations on the African continent and in the Middle East.”
Starting today, all Celtel’s customers both prepaid and postpaid in the 12 countries from East, Central and West Africa, will be able to use this service. They can move freely across geographic borders making calls and sms at local rates and receive incoming calls free of charge. They can top-up their prepaid phones with locally-bought airtime cards which can easily be bought at more than 500,000 points of sale. The One Network service is simple to use and is automatically activated upon crossing into any one of the other countries, with no prior registration required or sign up free charged.
Commenting Tito Alai, Chief Commercial Officer Zain Group said “One Network is now available to more of our customers and makes it easier for them to communicate with their family, friends and business colleagues, making their life better.”
The extension of One Network is crucial to Celtel’s strategy of ensuring that their customers in Africa are connected through one borderless network; an initiative that has not been done anywhere else in the world. Additionally One Network plays a crucial role in helping to promote and boost cross-border trade while driving economic growth in East, Central and West Africa.
Commenting about One Network in September 2006 the internationally respected magazine, The Economist, said ‘Celtel has, in effect, created a unified market of the kind that regulators can only dream about in Europe.’
400 million people across 12 countries now connected across Africa in one borderless mobile network covering an area more than twice the size of Europe
Celtel International, a subsidiary of the Zain Group, the leading mobile telecommunications operator in Africa and the Middle East, today announces the introduction of ‘One Network’, the world’s first borderless mobile network to Burkina Faso, Chad, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria and Sudan. These countries now join the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in the network which was initially launched in September 2006 and has been expanded due to increased demand.
The extension of this technological break-through now offers the possibility for nearly half of Africa’s population to make calls at local rates across 12 countries throughout the continent. The expansion of One Network now means the world’s first borderless mobile phone network covers an area more than twice the size of the European Union. Since its launch more than two million people have already used the service.
Announcing the One Network expansion, Zain Group CEO Dr Saad Al Barrak said, “The innovation behind and the expansion of the world’s first borderless mobile phone network is a reflection of our dedication to the African continent and its people. We have revolutionarised telecommunications in Africa and we intend to roll out this service to more of our operations on the African continent and in the Middle East.”
Starting today, all Celtel’s customers both prepaid and postpaid in the 12 countries from East, Central and West Africa, will be able to use this service. They can move freely across geographic borders making calls and sms at local rates and receive incoming calls free of charge. They can top-up their prepaid phones with locally-bought airtime cards which can easily be bought at more than 500,000 points of sale. The One Network service is simple to use and is automatically activated upon crossing into any one of the other countries, with no prior registration required or sign up free charged.
Commenting Tito Alai, Chief Commercial Officer Zain Group said “One Network is now available to more of our customers and makes it easier for them to communicate with their family, friends and business colleagues, making their life better.”
The extension of One Network is crucial to Celtel’s strategy of ensuring that their customers in Africa are connected through one borderless network; an initiative that has not been done anywhere else in the world. Additionally One Network plays a crucial role in helping to promote and boost cross-border trade while driving economic growth in East, Central and West Africa.
Commenting about One Network in September 2006 the internationally respected magazine, The Economist, said ‘Celtel has, in effect, created a unified market of the kind that regulators can only dream about in Europe.’
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Roaming - West Africa
Orange Zone
un tarif unique pour la zone Orange en Afrique de l'ouest
Vous avez un numéro Orange du Sénégal, du Mali, de la Guinée Conakry, de la Guinée Bissau ou encore de la Côte d'ivoire ?
Profitez désormais d'Orange Zone et bénéficiez d'un tarif unique d'appel lors de vos déplacements dans ces pays (-25% sur les tarifs de l'Option sans frontières).
De plus, la réception d'appels est gratuite dans toute cette zone.Cette offre est accessible à tous les numéros Orange de ces pays qui ont souscrit à l'Option sans frontières .
L'Option sans frontières permet de conserver son numéro Orange dans 102 pays à travers un partenariat avec 169 opérateurs téléphoniques dans le monde. Au Sénégal, elle est activée par défaut pour toutes les puces Orange Prépayée. Pour les abonnements et autres forfaits mobiles, l'accès à l'Option sans frontières est conditionné par le versement d'une caution remboursable de 200 000 F CFA.
Tarifs Orange Zone en F CFA (HT) :
[EUR 1 = F CFA 656]
Orange Zone
Appel vers l'international hors zone (coût à la minute)
200 (EUR 0.30) Sénégal, Mali
300 (EUR 0.46) Côte d'Ivoire, Guinée Bissau, Guinée Conakry
Appel vers les pays de la zone (coût à la minute)
150 (EUR 0.23)
Réception d'appels
Gratuit (free)
Coût d'envoi d'1 SMS
95 (EUR 0.14)
un tarif unique pour la zone Orange en Afrique de l'ouest
Vous avez un numéro Orange du Sénégal, du Mali, de la Guinée Conakry, de la Guinée Bissau ou encore de la Côte d'ivoire ?
Profitez désormais d'Orange Zone et bénéficiez d'un tarif unique d'appel lors de vos déplacements dans ces pays (-25% sur les tarifs de l'Option sans frontières).
De plus, la réception d'appels est gratuite dans toute cette zone.Cette offre est accessible à tous les numéros Orange de ces pays qui ont souscrit à l'Option sans frontières .
L'Option sans frontières permet de conserver son numéro Orange dans 102 pays à travers un partenariat avec 169 opérateurs téléphoniques dans le monde. Au Sénégal, elle est activée par défaut pour toutes les puces Orange Prépayée. Pour les abonnements et autres forfaits mobiles, l'accès à l'Option sans frontières est conditionné par le versement d'une caution remboursable de 200 000 F CFA.
Tarifs Orange Zone en F CFA (HT) :
[EUR 1 = F CFA 656]
Orange Zone
Appel vers l'international hors zone (coût à la minute)
200 (EUR 0.30) Sénégal, Mali
300 (EUR 0.46) Côte d'Ivoire, Guinée Bissau, Guinée Conakry
Appel vers les pays de la zone (coût à la minute)
150 (EUR 0.23)
Réception d'appels
Gratuit (free)
Coût d'envoi d'1 SMS
95 (EUR 0.14)
UK - Broadband
UK broadband use reaches new high
Almost nine out of 10 UK net users are connecting via broadband services, official figures reveal.
Information gathered by National Statistics (ONS) for September show that 88.4% of Britons are choosing to use broadband rather than dial-up.
The statistics show that 49.2% of those connections are for services advertised at two megabits per second or faster.
But analysis of the figures suggest the broadband market is static, which could mean tough times for service suppliers.
see also National Statistics
Almost nine out of 10 UK net users are connecting via broadband services, official figures reveal.
Information gathered by National Statistics (ONS) for September show that 88.4% of Britons are choosing to use broadband rather than dial-up.
The statistics show that 49.2% of those connections are for services advertised at two megabits per second or faster.
But analysis of the figures suggest the broadband market is static, which could mean tough times for service suppliers.
see also National Statistics
Monday, November 19, 2007
Europe - regulators too close to operators
Telecoms regulators too close industry
Second eye needed, says EU commissioner
The European Union has claimed that telecoms watchdogs have become too close to the industries they are supposed to monitor.
"There are too many national regulators which obey industry and government," said EU communications commissioner Viviane Reding.
Reding maintained that a "second pair of eyes" is needed to ensure that the same standards are applied across the whole of Europe. The plans, which have already received the backing of Strasbourg, would create a second level of regulation to monitor the decisions of Comreg and other telecoms regulators in Europe.
Other measures proposed by the European Telecom Market Authority will push for clearer broadband marketing, quicker changeover of mobile and landline telephone numbers and calls to a free phone number no matter where the user is in Europe.
Reding is also keen to spread Wi-Fi throughout the continent's territories. "Wireless broadband for all is high on my agenda with no citizen left behind," she said.
The commissioner has now begun a tour of the region to convince member states to back the plans.
Second eye needed, says EU commissioner
The European Union has claimed that telecoms watchdogs have become too close to the industries they are supposed to monitor.
"There are too many national regulators which obey industry and government," said EU communications commissioner Viviane Reding.
Reding maintained that a "second pair of eyes" is needed to ensure that the same standards are applied across the whole of Europe. The plans, which have already received the backing of Strasbourg, would create a second level of regulation to monitor the decisions of Comreg and other telecoms regulators in Europe.
Other measures proposed by the European Telecom Market Authority will push for clearer broadband marketing, quicker changeover of mobile and landline telephone numbers and calls to a free phone number no matter where the user is in Europe.
Reding is also keen to spread Wi-Fi throughout the continent's territories. "Wireless broadband for all is high on my agenda with no citizen left behind," she said.
The commissioner has now begun a tour of the region to convince member states to back the plans.
Nigeria - Siemens - Bribery
Nigeria: Siemens - Adebayo, Aminu Appear Before ICPC
Leadership (Abuja)
Former minister of communication, Chief Cornelius Adebayo and Senator Jubril Aminu have appeared before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) yesterday to submit written denials in the alleged 10 million euro bribery scandal involving the German telecom giant Siemens.
A top official in the commission's office told LEADERSHIP that out of the 13 accused past public officers, only two have appeared before the chairman of the commission to officially submit their individual position statement to the commission.
"The two of them have contact with us. they have reported on their own, so there is no issue of granting bail or not, because they honoured the ICPC's invitation and they have made their position known.
"We are at the stage of allegations. until they are proven innocent or guilty of the economic crime, no one has the right to detain them, especially when ICPC's invitation is honoured. Only those who refuse to honour our invitation will incur the wrath of the commission."
Adebayo and Aminu arrived the commission's office at about 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. respectively and walked straight to the commission's chairman's office where the interrogation session took place.
The source further disclosed that the two indicted officers spent over an hour with the commission's special panel of interrogators, explaining how and why they were mentioned in the deal, in addition to the statement submitted.
Adebayo, who was said to have received 650,000.00 euros in the deal, and Senator Aminu 185,000.00 euros, hurriedly honoured the ICPC's invitation to prove their innocence in the allegations, according to the commission's source.
As at the time of the deal, Aminu was the Senate committee chairman on foreign affairs. he was said to have been very close to most foreign investors visiting the country to transact business and secure government contracts.
The commission is, however, expecting other indicted Nigerians whose names were published in the papers to come forward and make official statements about their involvement in the Siemens bribery scandal.
From AllAfrica.com
Leadership (Abuja)
Former minister of communication, Chief Cornelius Adebayo and Senator Jubril Aminu have appeared before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) yesterday to submit written denials in the alleged 10 million euro bribery scandal involving the German telecom giant Siemens.
A top official in the commission's office told LEADERSHIP that out of the 13 accused past public officers, only two have appeared before the chairman of the commission to officially submit their individual position statement to the commission.
"The two of them have contact with us. they have reported on their own, so there is no issue of granting bail or not, because they honoured the ICPC's invitation and they have made their position known.
"We are at the stage of allegations. until they are proven innocent or guilty of the economic crime, no one has the right to detain them, especially when ICPC's invitation is honoured. Only those who refuse to honour our invitation will incur the wrath of the commission."
Adebayo and Aminu arrived the commission's office at about 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. respectively and walked straight to the commission's chairman's office where the interrogation session took place.
The source further disclosed that the two indicted officers spent over an hour with the commission's special panel of interrogators, explaining how and why they were mentioned in the deal, in addition to the statement submitted.
Adebayo, who was said to have received 650,000.00 euros in the deal, and Senator Aminu 185,000.00 euros, hurriedly honoured the ICPC's invitation to prove their innocence in the allegations, according to the commission's source.
As at the time of the deal, Aminu was the Senate committee chairman on foreign affairs. he was said to have been very close to most foreign investors visiting the country to transact business and secure government contracts.
The commission is, however, expecting other indicted Nigerians whose names were published in the papers to come forward and make official statements about their involvement in the Siemens bribery scandal.
From AllAfrica.com
Friday, November 16, 2007
Kenya - France Telecom and Telkom Kenya
France Telecom wins the bid to aquire 51% of Telkom Kenya
The Kenyan State has selected the consortium controlled by France Telecom as the preferred bidder for the acquisition of a 51% stake in the incumbent operator Telkom Kenya for a consideration of US$ 390 million (about 270 million euros). The transaction is planned to close before the end of the year. Telkom Kenya serves over 280 000 fixed line customers and will benefit from a new mobile license.
France Telecom has teamed up with Alcazar Capital Limited, who subscribed to a 15% stake in the consortium. A shareholder of Alcazar is Agility, one of the world's leading logistics services providers, which has a strong presence in emerging markets. France Telecom will benefit from Alcazar and Agility's knowledge of the Kenyan market.
This transaction fits very strongly with France Telecom's strategy of targeted development in fast growing markets. With France Telecom, Telkom Kenya will develop convergent telecommunication services, i.e. mobile, fixed and internet based. As mobile penetration is currently lower than 30%, the Kenyan mobile market still offers a high growth potential. France Telecom will benefit from the existing infrastructure of Telkom Kenya to develop and launch its 2.5 G network in the short term. The planned implementation of submarine cables in 2009 will give Telkom Kenya the means to offer affordable prices and become the leader on the high speed internet market. France Telecom aims to market Telkom Kenya's services under the Orange brand,
The Kenyan State has selected the consortium controlled by France Telecom as the preferred bidder for the acquisition of a 51% stake in the incumbent operator Telkom Kenya for a consideration of US$ 390 million (about 270 million euros). The transaction is planned to close before the end of the year. Telkom Kenya serves over 280 000 fixed line customers and will benefit from a new mobile license.
France Telecom has teamed up with Alcazar Capital Limited, who subscribed to a 15% stake in the consortium. A shareholder of Alcazar is Agility, one of the world's leading logistics services providers, which has a strong presence in emerging markets. France Telecom will benefit from Alcazar and Agility's knowledge of the Kenyan market.
This transaction fits very strongly with France Telecom's strategy of targeted development in fast growing markets. With France Telecom, Telkom Kenya will develop convergent telecommunication services, i.e. mobile, fixed and internet based. As mobile penetration is currently lower than 30%, the Kenyan mobile market still offers a high growth potential. France Telecom will benefit from the existing infrastructure of Telkom Kenya to develop and launch its 2.5 G network in the short term. The planned implementation of submarine cables in 2009 will give Telkom Kenya the means to offer affordable prices and become the leader on the high speed internet market. France Telecom aims to market Telkom Kenya's services under the Orange brand,
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Maldives - Prepaid Local Number - Roaming
Dhiraagu Introduces International Mobile Prepaid Roaming Service
Effective today 15 November 2007, Dhiraagu introduces International Roaming service for Prepaid Mobile customers. With this new development all Dhiraagu prepaid mobile customers could use roaming service while overseas. This is the first time in the Maldives that Prepaid mobile customers would be able to use their GSM phones abroad.
Dhiraagu prepaid customers will be able to use roaming facility with 195 operators in more than 80 countries. The initial phase of prepaid roaming would allow Dhiraagu prepaid mobile customers to send and receive SMS, receive calls and send call-me-back requests while roaming. Receiving calls while on roaming would be cheaper than making calls. In addition Dhiraagu prepaid customers can also send and receive MMS and use GPRS where these services are supported. Customers who want to recharge their prepaid mobile accounts while on roaming may use Dhiraagu recharge vouchers or simply recharge through Dhiraagu Quick Top-up or Quick Recharge service. To activate international roaming service, customers can simply send a blank SMS to 515. There is no monthly fee or deposit required. The roaming charges are determined by the visited country’s operator but there will be no charge for SMS received. For details please refer to the tariff table.
Effective today 15 November 2007, Dhiraagu introduces International Roaming service for Prepaid Mobile customers. With this new development all Dhiraagu prepaid mobile customers could use roaming service while overseas. This is the first time in the Maldives that Prepaid mobile customers would be able to use their GSM phones abroad.
Dhiraagu prepaid customers will be able to use roaming facility with 195 operators in more than 80 countries. The initial phase of prepaid roaming would allow Dhiraagu prepaid mobile customers to send and receive SMS, receive calls and send call-me-back requests while roaming. Receiving calls while on roaming would be cheaper than making calls. In addition Dhiraagu prepaid customers can also send and receive MMS and use GPRS where these services are supported. Customers who want to recharge their prepaid mobile accounts while on roaming may use Dhiraagu recharge vouchers or simply recharge through Dhiraagu Quick Top-up or Quick Recharge service. To activate international roaming service, customers can simply send a blank SMS to 515. There is no monthly fee or deposit required. The roaming charges are determined by the visited country’s operator but there will be no charge for SMS received. For details please refer to the tariff table.
Mobile - VoIP
Over 250m VoIP Users Over 3G Mobile Networks by 2012 – according to Disruptive Analysis report
LONDON, November 13th 2007 - A new research study from Disruptive Analysis shows that evolution of mobile VoIP will rapidly eclipse voice over WiFi and become a mainstream form of communication. The analyst firm predicts that the number of VoIPo3G users could grow from virtually zero in 2007 to over 250m by the end of 2012. This is comfortably in excess of the expected number of FMC users with dual-mode VoWLAN/cellular phones.
The report demonstrates that it will be the operators themselves which will be mainly responsible for the push towards VoIP being carried over cellular networks. Carriers will become increasingly attracted to VoIPo3G because it will enable them to fit more phone calls into their scarce spectrum allocations, reduce operating expenses by combining fixed and mobile core networks, and launch new services like push-to-talk and voice-integrated “mashups”. VoIPo3G also fits well with the move towards femtocells. Future generations of wireless technology – 3GPP LTE (Long Term Evolution), 3GPP2 UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), WiMAX – are “all-IP”, so unless mobile operators continue to run separate voice networks in parallel, they will inevitably transition to VoIP at some point.
However, because these new radio technologies are three to five years away from mainstream deployment – what happens in the meantime will provide the major disruption to operator business models. Some independent VoIP players are already exploiting the fact that today’s 3G networks can already support VoIP, putting dedicated software on smartphones, exploiting open operating systems, flat-rate data plans and features like “naked SIP” and built-in VoIP capability. These are linked to competitive ‘over the top’ phone or IM services via a mobile Internet connection.
At the same time, there is an increasing trend of carriers marketing 3G modems for PCs – not just for mobile computing, but also to compete with home DSL/cable broadband offerings. Laptop users expect to be able to use their normal broadband applications over 3G, including voice-based ones like Skype. Some operators are even offering their own VoIP software for PCs with wireless broadband.
The end-result of the push towards VoIPo3G is that by 2012, most VoIPo3G users will be using mobile carriers’ own standards-based VoIP capabilities, over the new, advanced 3G+ networks. However, a significant minority of about 60m will be using independent or Internet-based solutions – many actually operated in partnership with carriers or retailers.
Dean Bubley, author of the report and founder of Disruptive Analysis, comments: “3G networks are increasingly capable of supporting VoIP, for both traditional mobile operators and independent Internet-based VoIP challengers. But while CDMA operators will benefit from VoIP being ‘designed-in’ to their newest networks, 3GPP / HSPA operators will have to wait for several years – a window of opportunity which will be exploited by the ‘over the top’ players. Rather than competing head-on, partnership models have the potential to create win-win propositions”
The report, “VoIPo3G Business Models”, is available from Disruptive Analysis from today. It is based on a huge research effort spanning hundreds of interviews and meetings, and contains extensive market forecasts, industry commentary & analysis and company profiles.
LONDON, November 13th 2007 - A new research study from Disruptive Analysis shows that evolution of mobile VoIP will rapidly eclipse voice over WiFi and become a mainstream form of communication. The analyst firm predicts that the number of VoIPo3G users could grow from virtually zero in 2007 to over 250m by the end of 2012. This is comfortably in excess of the expected number of FMC users with dual-mode VoWLAN/cellular phones.
The report demonstrates that it will be the operators themselves which will be mainly responsible for the push towards VoIP being carried over cellular networks. Carriers will become increasingly attracted to VoIPo3G because it will enable them to fit more phone calls into their scarce spectrum allocations, reduce operating expenses by combining fixed and mobile core networks, and launch new services like push-to-talk and voice-integrated “mashups”. VoIPo3G also fits well with the move towards femtocells. Future generations of wireless technology – 3GPP LTE (Long Term Evolution), 3GPP2 UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), WiMAX – are “all-IP”, so unless mobile operators continue to run separate voice networks in parallel, they will inevitably transition to VoIP at some point.
However, because these new radio technologies are three to five years away from mainstream deployment – what happens in the meantime will provide the major disruption to operator business models. Some independent VoIP players are already exploiting the fact that today’s 3G networks can already support VoIP, putting dedicated software on smartphones, exploiting open operating systems, flat-rate data plans and features like “naked SIP” and built-in VoIP capability. These are linked to competitive ‘over the top’ phone or IM services via a mobile Internet connection.
At the same time, there is an increasing trend of carriers marketing 3G modems for PCs – not just for mobile computing, but also to compete with home DSL/cable broadband offerings. Laptop users expect to be able to use their normal broadband applications over 3G, including voice-based ones like Skype. Some operators are even offering their own VoIP software for PCs with wireless broadband.
The end-result of the push towards VoIPo3G is that by 2012, most VoIPo3G users will be using mobile carriers’ own standards-based VoIP capabilities, over the new, advanced 3G+ networks. However, a significant minority of about 60m will be using independent or Internet-based solutions – many actually operated in partnership with carriers or retailers.
Dean Bubley, author of the report and founder of Disruptive Analysis, comments: “3G networks are increasingly capable of supporting VoIP, for both traditional mobile operators and independent Internet-based VoIP challengers. But while CDMA operators will benefit from VoIP being ‘designed-in’ to their newest networks, 3GPP / HSPA operators will have to wait for several years – a window of opportunity which will be exploited by the ‘over the top’ players. Rather than competing head-on, partnership models have the potential to create win-win propositions”
The report, “VoIPo3G Business Models”, is available from Disruptive Analysis from today. It is based on a huge research effort spanning hundreds of interviews and meetings, and contains extensive market forecasts, industry commentary & analysis and company profiles.
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