ICT Statistics Newslog - Investments http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/ <i>News related to ITU Telecommunication/ICT Statistics</i> ITU Thu, 23 May 2013 11:48:22 GMT newtelligence dasBlog 2.0.7226.0 indicators@itu.int indicators@itu.int http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=ca51cb68-c2f6-44c0-a536-a4693e945447 http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,ca51cb68-c2f6-44c0-a536-a4693e945447.aspx Some Other User

The Mobile Infrastructure Project (MIP), which aims to enable mobile services in rural areas where there is no commercial business case to deploy these services, has taken a step forward today. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has announced today that Arqiva, the communications infrastructure and media services company, has won the Government tender to deliver the project.

Up to 60,000 premises and sections of road will be covered using the £150 million funding allocated to the project.

MIP is a vital part of the Government’s policy to reinforce the UK’s position as a leading digital economy. It will help connect rural communities, create local jobs and contribute to the national growth. The project sits alongside other initiatives including the £530 million Rural Broadband project and the £150 million ‘super-connected cities’ programme.

Arqiva will be responsible for a full scale mobile network roll out. The scope includes network planning, site acquisition as well as the deployment of site infrastructure and installation of equipment. It is expected that an announcement will be made on which locations will benefit from improved mobile coverage in the summer.

Nicolas Ott, Managing Director of Government, Mobile and Enterprise of Arqiva said: “We’re excited to be working with the Government and Mobile Operators on this important initiative. By investing in mobile infrastructure, the Government can help bridge the social and technological divides created in areas where commercial service is not economical, and we’re proud to be part of this process. MIP perfectly fits within our strategy of creating a range of platforms – cellular, WiFi and small cells – that provide mobile connectivity to all and support a thriving digital economy in the UK.”

Ed Vaizey, Culture Minister said: “Arqiva’s appointment today is great news for rural communities throughout the UK, who stand to benefit enormously from this £150m project to improve mobile phone coverage. Good mobile connectivity is becomingly increasingly important and it is crucial that businesses and individuals are not left struggling with poor and intermittent coverage.”

Source: Arqiva.

Better mobile connection coming to rural Britain (United Kingdom) http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,ca51cb68-c2f6-44c0-a536-a4693e945447.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Better+Mobile+Connection+Coming+To+Rural+Britain+United+Kingdom.aspx Thu, 23 May 2013 11:48:22 GMT <p> </p> <p> The Mobile Infrastructure Project (MIP), which aims to enable mobile services in rural areas where there is no commercial business case to deploy these services, has taken a step forward today. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has announced today that Arqiva, the communications infrastructure and media services company, has won the Government tender to deliver the project. </p> <p> Up to 60,000 premises and sections of road will be covered using the £150 million funding allocated to the project. </p> <p> MIP is a vital part of the Government’s policy to reinforce the UK’s position as a leading digital economy. It will help connect rural communities, create local jobs and contribute to the national growth. The project sits alongside other initiatives including the £530 million Rural Broadband project and the £150 million ‘super-connected cities’ programme. </p> <p> Arqiva will be responsible for a full scale mobile network roll out. The scope includes network planning, site acquisition as well as the deployment of site infrastructure and installation of equipment. It is expected that an announcement will be made on which locations will benefit from improved mobile coverage in the summer. </p> <p> Nicolas Ott, Managing Director of Government, Mobile and Enterprise of Arqiva said: “We’re excited to be working with the Government and Mobile Operators on this important initiative. By investing in mobile infrastructure, the Government can help bridge the social and technological divides created in areas where commercial service is not economical, and we’re proud to be part of this process. MIP perfectly fits within our strategy of creating a range of platforms – cellular, WiFi and small cells – that provide mobile connectivity to all and support a thriving digital economy in the UK.” </p> <p> Ed Vaizey, Culture Minister said: “Arqiva’s appointment today is great news for rural communities throughout the UK, who stand to benefit enormously from this £150m project to improve mobile phone coverage. Good mobile connectivity is becomingly increasingly important and it is crucial that businesses and individuals are not left struggling with poor and intermittent coverage.” </p> <p> Source: <a href="http://www.arqiva.com/corporate/press/archive/2013/2013-5-13%20-%20Better%20mobile%20connection%20coming%20to%20rural%20Britain.pdf">Arqiva</a>. </p> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=ca51cb68-c2f6-44c0-a536-a4693e945447" /> Europe Investments Mobile http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=c8ae843d-d62d-4ee2-98e2-0566143bf08b http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,c8ae843d-d62d-4ee2-98e2-0566143bf08b.aspx Some Other User

The European Commission has approved under EU state aid rules a €2 billion support scheme aimed at promoting the development of next generation access (NGA) broadband networks in currently underserved areas of the German region of Bavaria. The Commission found the scheme to be in line with EU state aid rules, in particular because it ensures that support is granted only in areas where no commercial NGA network rollout is foreseen in the near future. This will avoid the crowding out of private investments.

Commission Vice-President Joaquín Almunia, in charge of competition policy, said: "The Bavarian broadband support scheme contributes to the objectives of the EU Digital Agenda while limiting distortions of competition by supporting only networks that are open to all operators on a non-discriminatory basis. This should enable healthy competition on the subsidised networks, allowing local businesses and users to benefit from significantly enhanced broadband services at competitive prices".

In June 2012, Germany notified plans for supporting an NGA broadband scheme providing for download speeds of at least 50 Mbps in commercial and accumulation areas of Bavaria.

The Commission found the scheme to be in line with its guidelines on state aid for broadband (see IP/09/1332 and MEMO/09/396). In particular, no support may be granted in areas where a commercial NGA network roll-out is foreseen in the near future. Moreover, the scheme has a high degree of transparency, as all key information on projects will be systematically posted on a central website. This should allow stakeholders to be continuously informed on any project under the scheme. Also, the German telecommunications regulator (the Bundesnetzagentur) will be consulted on key aspects of projects, such as wholesale access prices and conditions. This will further contribute to compliance with the competition rules. Finally, Germany will conduct a detailed monitoring of all cases supported under the scheme.

Source: European Commission.

State aid: Commission clears support scheme for next generation broadband networks in Bavaria, Germany http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,c8ae843d-d62d-4ee2-98e2-0566143bf08b.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/State+Aid+Commission+Clears+Support+Scheme+For+Next+Generation+Broadband+Networks+In+Bavaria+Germany.aspx Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:55:54 GMT <p class=A_Standard__35__20_Normal> The European Commission has approved under EU state aid rules a €2 billion support scheme aimed at promoting the development of next generation access (NGA) broadband networks in currently underserved areas of the German region of Bavaria. The Commission found the scheme to be in line with EU state aid rules, in particular because it ensures that support is granted only in areas where no commercial NGA network rollout is foreseen in the near future. This will avoid the crowding out of private investments. </p> <p class=A_Standard__35__20_Normal> Commission Vice-President Joaquín Almunia, in charge of competition policy, said:<span class=A__T2> "The Bavarian broadband support scheme contributes to the objectives of the EU Digital Agenda while limiting distortions of competition by supporting only networks that are open to all operators on a non-discriminatory basis. This should enable healthy competition on the subsidised networks, allowing local businesses and users to benefit from significantly enhanced broadband services at competitive prices"</span>. </p> <p class=A_Standard__35__20_Normal> In June 2012, Germany notified plans for supporting an NGA broadband scheme providing for download speeds of at least 50 Mbps in commercial and accumulation areas of Bavaria. </p> <p class=A_Standard__35__20_Normal> The Commission found the scheme to be in line with its guidelines on state aid for broadband (see <a href="http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-09-1332_en.htm?locale=en"><span><span class=A__T3>IP/09/1332</span></span></a> and <a href="http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-09-396_en.htm?locale=en"><span><span class=A__T3>MEMO/09/396</span></span></a>). In particular, no support may be granted in areas where a commercial NGA network roll-out is foreseen in the near future. Moreover, the scheme has a high degree of transparency, as all key information on projects will be systematically posted on a central website. This should allow stakeholders to be continuously informed on any project under the scheme. Also, the German telecommunications regulator (the <span class=A__T2>Bundesnetzagentur</span>) will be consulted on key aspects of projects, such as wholesale access prices and conditions. This will further contribute to compliance with the competition rules. Finally, Germany will conduct a detailed monitoring of all cases supported under the scheme. </p> <p class=A_Standard__35__20_Normal> Source: <a href="http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-12-1240_en.htm">European Commission</a>. </p> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=c8ae843d-d62d-4ee2-98e2-0566143bf08b" /> Broadband Europe Infrastructure Investments http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=551aff9d-3af2-4ae6-a329-73a559286633 http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,551aff9d-3af2-4ae6-a329-73a559286633.aspx

America Movil’s (AM’s) domestic mobile subsidiary, Telcel, has reportedly inaugurated commercial Long Term Evolution (LTE) services, BNamericas reports. Telcel, which is Mexico’s largest cellco by subscribers, is understood to have made its 4G network available to customers in a total of nine cities at launch, with those being: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Queretaro, Puebla, Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana, Hermosillo and Merida. For now, LTE-based services are restricted to post-paid customers only, although AM CEO Daniel Hajj was cited as saying that pre-paid options will be offered in the future.

Six LTE-compatible handsets are being offered to those customers looking to take up the new service, including the Samsung Galaxy SIII LTE, while Telcel has noted that the iPhone 5 will be available from January 2013. Pricing for the 4G service ranges from MXN499 (USD38) per month for a 500MB usage allowance, rising to MXN899 for a 700MB allowance.

Mr Hajj is also cited as saying that approximately 35% of Telcel’s mobile subscriber base currently uses data services, broken down as 20% which access data via its 2G network and 15% which connect via the 3G infrastructure. Having noted that data usage had increased tenfold over the past three years, Telcel has said a similar growth rate is likely in the wake of its 4G launch, with Mr Hajj reportedly saying that the cellco expects between one and three million people to adopt 4G within a year.

Meanwhile, with Telcel reportedly set to invest around USD3.95 billion on network upgrades between 2012 and 2014, at least USD1 billion of which will be spent on 4G equipment, it has said that it aims to expand coverage to 26 cities covering 65% of the population by April 2013.

Source: Telegeography.

Telcel announces launch of commercial LTE in nine cities http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,551aff9d-3af2-4ae6-a329-73a559286633.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Telcel+Announces+Launch+Of+Commercial+LTE+In+Nine+Cities.aspx Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:05:26 GMT <div class=article-text> <p> America Movil’s (AM’s) domestic mobile subsidiary, Telcel, has reportedly inaugurated commercial Long Term Evolution (LTE) services, BNamericas reports. Telcel, which is Mexico’s largest cellco by subscribers, is understood to have made its 4G network available to customers in a total of nine cities at launch, with those being: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Queretaro, Puebla, Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana, Hermosillo and Merida. For now, <span class=caps>LTE</span>-based services are restricted to post-paid customers only, although <span class=caps>AM CEO</span> Daniel Hajj was cited as saying that pre-paid options will be offered in the future. </p> <p> Six <span class=caps>LTE</span>-compatible handsets are being offered to those customers looking to take up the new service, including the Samsung Galaxy <span class=caps>SIII LTE</span>, while Telcel has noted that the iPhone 5 will be available from January 2013. Pricing for the 4G service ranges from <span class=caps>MXN499</span> (USD38) per month for a 500MB usage allowance, rising to <span class=caps>MXN899</span> for a 700MB allowance. </p> <p> Mr Hajj is also cited as saying that approximately 35% of Telcel’s mobile subscriber base currently uses data services, broken down as 20% which access data via its 2G network and 15% which connect via the 3G infrastructure. Having noted that data usage had increased tenfold over the past three years, Telcel has said a similar growth rate is likely in the wake of its 4G launch, with Mr Hajj reportedly saying that the cellco expects between one and three million people to adopt 4G within a year. </p> <p> Meanwhile, with Telcel reportedly set to invest around <span class=caps>USD3</span>.95 billion on network upgrades between 2012 and 2014, at least <span class=caps>USD1</span> billion of which will be spent on 4G equipment, it has said that it aims to expand coverage to 26 cities covering 65% of the population by April 2013. </p> <p> Source: <a href="http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2012/11/07/telcel-announces-launch-of-commercial-lte-in-nine-cities/?utm_source=CommsUpdate&amp;utm_campaign=bb5082f151-CommsUpdate+07+November+2012&amp;utm_medium=email">Telegeography</a>. </p> </div> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=551aff9d-3af2-4ae6-a329-73a559286633" /> Broadband Investments LTE Tariffs http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=c75556ea-58cc-4d39-ade8-4a5d42261e51 http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,c75556ea-58cc-4d39-ade8-4a5d42261e51.aspx

Telefonica’s Mexican wireless unit has revealed that it has nearly completed the rollout of the first stage of its Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. In a press release Telefonica Mexico announced that initially its 4G network will be available in three locations, those being: the Polanco area of the capital Mexico City; Zapopan in the state of Jalisco; and the city of San Pedro in Nuevo Leon. The new service is expected to launch sometime this month. In making the announcement, Telefonica Mexico also noted that it expects to spend more than MXN3 billion (USD234 million) on its LTE rollout between now and end-2013.

Source: Telegeography.

Telefonica Mexico eyes LTE launch this month http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,c75556ea-58cc-4d39-ade8-4a5d42261e51.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Telefonica+Mexico+Eyes+LTE+Launch+This+Month.aspx Mon, 29 Oct 2012 09:36:34 GMT <div class=article-text> <p> Telefonica’s Mexican wireless unit has revealed that it has nearly completed the rollout of the first stage of its Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. In a press release Telefonica Mexico announced that initially its 4G network will be available in three locations, those being: the Polanco area of the capital Mexico City; Zapopan in the state of Jalisco; and the city of San Pedro in Nuevo Leon. The new service is expected to launch sometime this month. In making the announcement, Telefonica Mexico also noted that it expects to spend more than <span class=caps>MXN3</span> billion (USD234 million) on its <span class=caps>LTE</span> rollout between now and end-2013. </p> <p> Source: <a href="http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2012/10/01/telefonica-mexico-eyes-lte-launch-this-month/">Telegeography</a>. </p> </div> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=c75556ea-58cc-4d39-ade8-4a5d42261e51" /> Americas Investments LTE http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=5647b36d-054c-4ff5-9e90-a04d63a4a9e8 http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,5647b36d-054c-4ff5-9e90-a04d63a4a9e8.aspx Dow Jones Newswires reports that UK-based giant Vodafone Group has announced plans to increase its investment in the Netherlands. The news comes not long after the Dutch network operator, the country’s second largest player by subscribers, experienced a major fire in its Rotterdam network centre in April which damaged its infrastructure and disrupted services for a large number of Vodafone NL users. The UK parent declined to put a figure on the CAPEX, saying only that it will go in improving network reliability and quality. Last year the Dutch unit invested around EUR250 million (USD305 million) in its systems, services and products in the country. The latest investment will also make it easier for the cellco to migrate to fourth-generation Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, it added.

Source: TeleGeography.

Vodafone increases Dutch network investment (Netherlands) http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,5647b36d-054c-4ff5-9e90-a04d63a4a9e8.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Vodafone+Increases+Dutch+Network+Investment+Netherlands.aspx Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:31:54 GMT Dow Jones Newswires reports that UK-based giant Vodafone Group has announced plans to increase its investment in the Netherlands. The news comes not long after the Dutch network operator, the country’s second largest player by subscribers, experienced a major fire in its Rotterdam network centre in April which damaged its infrastructure and disrupted services for a large number of Vodafone NL users. The UK parent declined to put a figure on the <span class=caps>CAPEX</span>, saying only that it will go in improving network reliability and quality. Last year the Dutch unit invested around <span class=caps>EUR250</span> million (USD305 million) in its systems, services and products in the country. The latest investment will also make it easier for the cellco to migrate to fourth-generation Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, it added. <p> Source: <a href="http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2012/07/30/vodafone-increases-dutch-network-investment/">TeleGeography</a>. </p> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=5647b36d-054c-4ff5-9e90-a04d63a4a9e8" /> Investments LTE http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=488f9914-14bd-4a75-b2aa-c1f2f3999c58 http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,488f9914-14bd-4a75-b2aa-c1f2f3999c58.aspx

Multimedia Polska has extended its fibre-optic network to pass an additional 1,000 homes in Kutno and hopes to add a further 600 before the end of the month. The cableco said that the expansion work would bring the number of homes connected to its network to nearly 5,000, estimating that it had spent around PLN1 million (USD286,786) on network expansion in the city over the last two years.

Source: Telegeography.

Multimedia expands fibre footprint http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,488f9914-14bd-4a75-b2aa-c1f2f3999c58.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Multimedia+Expands+Fibre+Footprint.aspx Tue, 24 Jul 2012 12:00:29 GMT <div class=article-text> <p> Multimedia Polska has extended its fibre-optic network to pass an additional 1,000 homes in Kutno and hopes to add a further 600 before the end of the month. The cableco said that the expansion work would bring the number of homes connected to its network to nearly 5,000, estimating that it had spent around <span class=caps>PLN1</span> million (USD286,786) on network expansion in the city over the last two years. </p> <p> Source: <a href="http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2012/07/16/multimedia-expands-fibre-footprint/">Telegeography</a>. </p> </div> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=488f9914-14bd-4a75-b2aa-c1f2f3999c58" /> Broadband FTTH/B Investments http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=cbbb2d0f-33c2-47f7-bfda-78f682014606 http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,cbbb2d0f-33c2-47f7-bfda-78f682014606.aspx

Honduras’ ailing state-owned national PTO Hondutel (Empresa Hondurena de Telecomunicaciones) has announced plans to establish a joint venture (JV) to offer a dedicated mobile broadband service in the country. CentralAmericaData writes that the PTO will be the majority shareholder in the new venture, and quotes Hondutel director Romeo Vasquez Velasquez as saying that the new business model will help the firm out of its current financial crisis, made worse by a lack of investment. ‘The only alternative we have is to open [Hondutel’s] doors to any [business or individual] in the country [or abroad] wanting to invest in our mobile broadband service to develop and improve the company’s future income streams. And we are working on it,’ Romero Velasquez said. It is believed that setting up such a venture in Honduras would require investment of around USD500 million.

Source: TeleGeography.

Hondutel to set up dedicated mobile broadband JV (Honduras) http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,cbbb2d0f-33c2-47f7-bfda-78f682014606.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Hondutel+To+Set+Up+Dedicated+Mobile+Broadband+JV+Honduras.aspx Tue, 17 Jul 2012 12:38:22 GMT <p> Honduras’ ailing state-owned national <span class=caps>PTO</span> Hondutel (Empresa Hondurena de Telecomunicaciones) has announced plans to establish a joint venture (JV) to offer a dedicated mobile broadband service in the country. CentralAmericaData writes that the <span class=caps>PTO</span> will be the majority shareholder in the new venture, and quotes Hondutel director Romeo Vasquez Velasquez as saying that the new business model will help the firm out of its current financial crisis, made worse by a lack of investment. ‘The only alternative we have is to open [Hondutel’s] doors to any [business or individual] in the country [or abroad] wanting to invest in our mobile broadband service to develop and improve the company’s future income streams. And we are working on it,’ Romero Velasquez said. It is believed that setting up such a venture in Honduras would require investment of around <span class=caps>USD500</span> million. </p> <p> Source: <a href="http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2012/07/10/hondutel-to-set-up-dedicated-mobile-broadband-jv/">TeleGeography</a>. </p> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=cbbb2d0f-33c2-47f7-bfda-78f682014606" /> Investments Mobile broadband http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=0e912705-cfeb-4bf9-a74b-4a7c1e4639b5 http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,0e912705-cfeb-4bf9-a74b-4a7c1e4639b5.aspx

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced that it has supplied Turk Telekom (TT) with a loan worth EUR100 million (USD126.2 million) with a view to expanding the company’s broadband services in the eastern regions of Turkey. The EBRD’s financing will support the carrier’s plans to extend fixed broadband connectivity to all Turkish provinces by 2016. The loan will be used to finance the company’s network expansion in the regions of Adana, Diyarbakir, Erzurum, Kayseri, Samsun and Trabzon. The EBRD notes that there are currently ‘considerable discrepancies between the Istanbul area and the eastern regions’.

Mustafa Uysal, TT’s chief financial officer, commented: ‘Turk Telekom believes in the future of the country and that the Turkish economy will be ranked among the world’s top ten economies by 2023. Technology and innovation will be the main instruments to achieve this ambitious vision. Therefore, Turk Telekom, by carrying out its investment programme all throughout Turkey, assumes an important role in shaping Turkey’s future and makes it clear that it will be a leading contributor to and part of that future We see the EBRD as a partner in this journey rather than just a lending institution and our investment has a value above a monetary contribution. EBRD vision overlaps with TT’s and we hope to continue this partnership in the long term’. Since the start of its involvement in Turkey, the EBRD says that it has committed close to EUR2 billion to various sectors of the country’s economy, mobilising additional investment of over EUR5 billion.

Source: TeleGeography.

EBRD grants Turk Telekom EUR100m loan to boost broadband in Eastern regions (Turkey) http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,0e912705-cfeb-4bf9-a74b-4a7c1e4639b5.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/EBRD+Grants+Turk+Telekom+EUR100m+Loan+To+Boost+Broadband+In+Eastern+Regions+Turkey.aspx Tue, 17 Jul 2012 11:51:24 GMT <p> The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced that it has supplied Turk Telekom (TT) with a loan worth <span class=caps>EUR100</span> million (USD126.2 million) with a view to expanding the company’s broadband services in the eastern regions of Turkey. The <span class=caps>EBRD</span>’s financing will support the carrier’s plans to extend fixed broadband connectivity to all Turkish provinces by 2016. The loan will be used to finance the company’s network expansion in the regions of Adana, Diyarbakir, Erzurum, Kayseri, Samsun and Trabzon. The <span class=caps>EBRD</span> notes that there are currently ‘considerable discrepancies between the Istanbul area and the eastern regions’. </p> <p> Mustafa Uysal, TT’s chief financial officer, commented: ‘Turk Telekom believes in the future of the country and that the Turkish economy will be ranked among the world’s top ten economies by 2023. Technology and innovation will be the main instruments to achieve this ambitious vision. Therefore, Turk Telekom, by carrying out its investment programme all throughout Turkey, assumes an important role in shaping Turkey’s future and makes it clear that it will be a leading contributor to and part of that future We see the <span class=caps>EBRD</span> as a partner in this journey rather than just a lending institution and our investment has a value above a monetary contribution. <span class=caps>EBRD</span> vision overlaps with TT’s and we hope to continue this partnership in the long term’. Since the start of its involvement in Turkey, the <span class=caps>EBRD</span> says that it has committed close to <span class=caps>EUR2</span> billion to various sectors of the country’s economy, mobilising additional investment of over <span class=caps>EUR5</span> billion. </p> <p> Source: <a href="http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2012/07/03/ebrd-grants-turk-telekom-eur100m-loan-to-boost-broadband-in-eastern-regions/">TeleGeography</a>. </p> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=0e912705-cfeb-4bf9-a74b-4a7c1e4639b5" /> Broadband Investments Rural connectivity http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=4feb6fdd-ea7d-4bc7-9a88-395afa01290f http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,4feb6fdd-ea7d-4bc7-9a88-395afa01290f.aspx Movistar Venezuela has expanded its HSPA-based mobile broadband services in the central region of the country with the deployment of six new cell sites costing VEF7.1 million (USD1.7 million), reports BNamericas citing Entorno Inteligente. The spending forms a small fraction (0.33%) of the Telefonica subsidiary’s VEF2.16 billion, or around USD500 million, annual investment budget for projects including doubling its 3G+ capacity. The cellco’s CAPEX in the first quarter of 2012 represented 16% of the total investment figure, and was largely spent on 3G coverage and capacity, to meet data services demand in Venezuela that Movistar corporate communications VP, Douglas Ochoa, said expanded by 400% last year. Movistar Venezuela’s revenues reached USD831 million in Q1 2012, up 23.5% year-on-year, as data turnover climbed 33.4%; non-SMS data accounted for 51% of total data revenues during the quarter.

Source: TeleGeography.

Movistar expanding HSPA coverage in central region (Venezuela) http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,4feb6fdd-ea7d-4bc7-9a88-395afa01290f.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Movistar+Expanding+HSPA+Coverage+In+Central+Region+Venezuela.aspx Tue, 17 Jul 2012 11:39:52 GMT Movistar Venezuela has expanded its <span class=caps>HSPA</span>-based mobile broadband services in the central region of the country with the deployment of six new cell sites costing <span class=caps>VEF7</span>.1 million (USD1.7 million), reports BNamericas citing Entorno Inteligente. The spending forms a small fraction (0.33%) of the Telefonica subsidiary’s <span class=caps>VEF2</span>.16 billion, or around <span class=caps>USD500</span> million, annual investment budget for projects including doubling its 3G+ capacity. The cellco’s <span class=caps>CAPEX</span> in the first quarter of 2012 represented 16% of the total investment figure, and was largely spent on 3G coverage and capacity, to meet data services demand in Venezuela that Movistar corporate communications VP, Douglas Ochoa, said expanded by 400% last year. Movistar Venezuela’s revenues reached <span class=caps>USD831</span> million in <span class=caps>Q1 2012</span>, up 23.5% year-on-year, as data turnover climbed 33.4%; non-SMS data accounted for 51% of total data revenues during the quarter. <p> Source: <a href="http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2012/07/05/movistar-expanding-hspa-coverage-in-central-region/">TeleGeography</a>. </p> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=4feb6fdd-ea7d-4bc7-9a88-395afa01290f" /> Infrastructure Investments Latin America Mobile broadband Revenues http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=6dcd3d03-1137-4c72-8db1-d09960835f12 http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,6dcd3d03-1137-4c72-8db1-d09960835f12.aspx

British mobile network operator O2 UK has reportedly begun the deployment of Dual Carrier HSPA+ (DC-HSPA+) technology, CNET UK claims. Citing an unnamed O2 UK spokesman as confirming the development, the cellco is understood to be rolling out the technology with a view to increasing theoretical downlink speeds to up to 42Mbps. The increased speeds are expected to be available initially in ‘major cities’, and while no details of launch locations have been formally announced, the report speculates that London, Birmingham and Manchester are likely locations for the initial deployment.

In separate but related news, meanwhile, Chinese vendor Huawei has reportedly bagged a five-year managed services deal with O2 UK for the latter’s core network. According to Cellular News, under the terms of the deal between the two companies 56 employees will be transferred from the Telefonica-owned mobile operator to work for Huawei’s managed services business, with the vendor taking responsibility for planning and managing the core transmission, mobile access and core network build in the multi-vendor core network. Commenting on the deal, Huawei UK CEO Victor Zhang was cited as saying: ‘We are very pleased to announce our first major managed services agreement in the UK. Huawei works with Telefonica in a number of markets around the world and today’s agreement means we are extending our relationship to the UK. Today’s announcement is an important first step in building a world-class managed services capability in the UK.’

Source: TeleGeography.

O2 UK rolling out DC-HSPA+? http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,6dcd3d03-1137-4c72-8db1-d09960835f12.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/O2+UK+Rolling+Out+DCHSPA.aspx Fri, 22 Jun 2012 13:57:55 GMT <p> British mobile network operator <span class=caps>O2 UK</span> has reportedly begun the deployment of Dual Carrier <span class=caps>HSPA</span>+ (DC-HSPA+) technology, <span class=caps>CNET UK</span> claims. Citing an unnamed <span class=caps>O2 UK</span> spokesman as confirming the development, the cellco is understood to be rolling out the technology with a view to increasing theoretical downlink speeds to up to 42Mbps. The increased speeds are expected to be available initially in ‘major cities’, and while no details of launch locations have been formally announced, the report speculates that London, Birmingham and Manchester are likely locations for the initial deployment. </p> <p> In separate but related news, meanwhile, Chinese vendor Huawei has reportedly bagged a five-year managed services deal with <span class=caps>O2 UK</span> for the latter’s core network. According to Cellular News, under the terms of the deal between the two companies 56 employees will be transferred from the Telefonica-owned mobile operator to work for Huawei’s managed services business, with the vendor taking responsibility for planning and managing the core transmission, mobile access and core network build in the multi-vendor core network. Commenting on the deal, Huawei <span class=caps>UK CEO</span> Victor Zhang was cited as saying: ‘We are very pleased to announce our first major managed services agreement in the UK. Huawei works with Telefonica in a number of markets around the world and today’s agreement means we are extending our relationship to the UK. Today’s announcement is an important first step in building a world-class managed services capability in the UK.’ </p> <p> Source: <a href="http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2012/05/16/o2-uk-rolling-out-dc-hspa-/">TeleGeography</a>. </p> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=6dcd3d03-1137-4c72-8db1-d09960835f12" /> Broadband Broadband speed Investments http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=b5e3cbd2-31d7-4956-a182-2b7eff6d6ca5 http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,b5e3cbd2-31d7-4956-a182-2b7eff6d6ca5.aspx

Following an investigation into the status of Uganda’s national backbone infrastructure project prior to the third and fourth stages of the network’s rollout, the chairperson of the ICT Parliamentary Committee, Paula Turyahikayo has said that the government might be forced to re-invest in the project for the backbone to be functional. According to Bikyamasr, the report said that only 43% of the deployed cable was protected from damage, and 122 connection points of the 299 installed were safe. Turyahikayo said that ‘phase one is in such a sorry state all contractors of this phase must be blacklisted,’ and went on to blame the condition of the network on poor workmanship and the lack of supervision. James Saaka, executive director of the National Information Technology Authority, Uganda (NITA-U), claimed that the problems with the project were not the fault of the NITA-U, as the body had not been created until 2008, whereas work began in 2006-2007, and as a result ‘the entire first phase was run without supervision.’

As noted by TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database, the difficulties surrounding the backbone first surfaced in 2009, and an investigation was launched in July 2011. The UGX201 billion (USD106 million) project was funded by the Export and Import Bank of China, which recommended Huawei for the installation: it is not known whether Huawei’s involvement was a compulsory part of the loan, but no tender was held. Following the completion of the first phase of deployment in January 2009 – the project already far behind schedule – it emerged that Huawei had installed cable inferior to the preferred type, and only 24 cores, rather than the 96 specified by the Ugandan ICT ministry. To make matters worse, the government claimed that it had been significantly over-charged, comparing its own project to a similar one in Rwanda. Uganda paid USD61 million for the installation of 2,100km of the out-dated cable, whilst Rwanda paid USD38 million for 2,300km of the preferred cable type. Further, the ICT ministry reported that it believed the actual installation had been flawed, as confirmed by the recent investigation, with the majority of the cable deployed less than 15m from the centre of roads and buried less than 1.5m from the surface thereby leaving the infrastructure vulnerable to accidental damage, vandalism and theft. In mid-2011, the government feared that as a result of the shoddy workmanship, it would be left with infrastructure that was less than required, and would require constant repairs that Uganda can ill-afford.

Source: TeleGeography.

Uganda acknowledges white elephant in the room http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,b5e3cbd2-31d7-4956-a182-2b7eff6d6ca5.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Uganda+Acknowledges+White+Elephant+In+The+Room.aspx Fri, 22 Jun 2012 13:41:52 GMT <p> Following an investigation into the status of Uganda’s national backbone infrastructure project prior to the third and fourth stages of the network’s rollout, the chairperson of the <span class=caps>ICT</span> Parliamentary Committee, Paula Turyahikayo has said that the government might be forced to re-invest in the project for the backbone to be functional. According to Bikyamasr, the report said that only 43% of the deployed cable was protected from damage, and 122 connection points of the 299 installed were safe. Turyahikayo said that ‘phase one is in such a sorry state all contractors of this phase must be blacklisted,’ and went on to blame the condition of the network on poor workmanship and the lack of supervision. James Saaka, executive director of the National Information Technology Authority, Uganda (NITA-U), claimed that the problems with the project were not the fault of the <span class=caps>NITA</span>-U, as the body had not been created until 2008, whereas work began in 2006-2007, and as a result ‘the entire first phase was run without supervision.’ </p> <p> As noted by TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database, the difficulties surrounding the backbone first surfaced in 2009, and an investigation was launched in July 2011. The <span class=caps>UGX201</span> billion (USD106 million) project was funded by the Export and Import Bank of China, which recommended Huawei for the installation: it is not known whether Huawei’s involvement was a compulsory part of the loan, but no tender was held. Following the completion of the first phase of deployment in January 2009 – the project already far behind schedule – it emerged that Huawei had installed cable inferior to the preferred type, and only 24 cores, rather than the 96 specified by the Ugandan <span class=caps>ICT</span> ministry. To make matters worse, the government claimed that it had been significantly over-charged, comparing its own project to a similar one in Rwanda. Uganda paid <span class=caps>USD61</span> million for the installation of 2,100km of the out-dated cable, whilst Rwanda paid <span class=caps>USD38</span> million for 2,300km of the preferred cable type. Further, the <span class=caps>ICT</span> ministry reported that it believed the actual installation had been flawed, as confirmed by the recent investigation, with the majority of the cable deployed less than 15m from the centre of roads and buried less than 1.5m from the surface thereby leaving the infrastructure vulnerable to accidental damage, vandalism and theft. In mid-2011, the government feared that as a result of the shoddy workmanship, it would be left with infrastructure that was less than required, and would require constant repairs that Uganda can ill-afford. </p> <p> Source: <a href="http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2012/05/14/uganda-acknowledges-white-elephant-in-the-room/">TeleGeography</a>. </p> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=b5e3cbd2-31d7-4956-a182-2b7eff6d6ca5" /> Africa Backbone Infrastructure Investments http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=2e59ef2d-ae41-4362-acd4-d712a2de58db http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,2e59ef2d-ae41-4362-acd4-d712a2de58db.aspx

Middle Eastern carrier-neutral submarine fibre network operator Gulf Bridge International (GBI) and optical technology provider Xtera Communications have deployed what they claim to be the Mediterranean Sea’s first commercial 100Gbps repeatered submarine cable system on the GBI network connecting Egypt to Italy. Xtera provided its Nu-Wave Optima platform in a Submarine Line Terminal Equipment (SLTE) configuration delivering 100G waves on a fibre pair.

Elsewhere this week, GBI and Kuwaiti ISP/data services operator Gulfnet Communications announced the signing of a capacity sale agreement on the GBI undersea network, which offers routes from Europe to the Middle East and on to Asia. Also this week, Iraq’s Investment & Technology Group of Companies (via its ITC Communications division) signed a strategic alliance agreement with Hong Kong-based international carrier PCCW Global, following the Iraqi company winning a 15-year investment licence from Iraq Telecommunication & Post Company (ITPC) to market transmission capacity over the GBI fibre-optic cable connecting all Gulf coast countries. Fadil Mosawi, chairman of the Investment & Technology Group, said: ‘Together with the new GBI fibre cable, the Iraqi people will soon be able to connect to the rest of world with higher internet connection speed and enjoy new services including voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP), high definition TV, as well as a host of other business applications such as cloud computing. Video teleconferencing will make doing business with Iraq simpler and more efficient. Healthcare institutions and universities will also benefit from the availability of large bandwidth and higher access speeds.’ ITC Communications was previously licensed as a VSAT operator, providing international connectivity to Iraqis.

Source: TeleGeography.

Trio of GBI developments reported (Iraq, Kuwait) http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,2e59ef2d-ae41-4362-acd4-d712a2de58db.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trio+Of+GBI+Developments+Reported+Iraq+Kuwait.aspx Fri, 22 Jun 2012 11:28:12 GMT <p> Middle Eastern carrier-neutral submarine fibre network operator Gulf Bridge International (GBI) and optical technology provider Xtera Communications have deployed what they claim to be the Mediterranean Sea’s first commercial 100Gbps repeatered submarine cable system on the <span class=caps>GBI</span> network connecting Egypt to Italy. Xtera provided its Nu-Wave Optima platform in a Submarine Line Terminal Equipment (SLTE) configuration delivering 100G waves on a fibre pair. </p> <p> Elsewhere this week, <span class=caps>GBI</span> and Kuwaiti <span class=caps>ISP</span>/data services operator Gulfnet Communications announced the signing of a capacity sale agreement on the <span class=caps>GBI</span> undersea network, which offers routes from Europe to the Middle East and on to Asia. Also this week, Iraq’s Investment &amp; Technology Group of Companies (via its <span class=caps>ITC</span> Communications division) signed a strategic alliance agreement with Hong Kong-based international carrier <span class=caps>PCCW</span> Global, following the Iraqi company winning a 15-year investment licence from Iraq Telecommunication &amp; Post Company (ITPC) to market transmission capacity over the <span class=caps>GBI</span> fibre-optic cable connecting all Gulf coast countries. Fadil Mosawi, chairman of the Investment &amp; Technology Group, said: ‘Together with the new <span class=caps>GBI</span> fibre cable, the Iraqi people will soon be able to connect to the rest of world with higher internet connection speed and enjoy new services including voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP), high definition TV, as well as a host of other business applications such as cloud computing. Video teleconferencing will make doing business with Iraq simpler and more efficient. Healthcare institutions and universities will also benefit from the availability of large bandwidth and higher access speeds.’ <span class=caps>ITC</span> Communications was previously licensed as a <span class=caps>VSAT</span> operator, providing international connectivity to Iraqis. </p> <p> Source: <a href="http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2012/05/10/trio-of-gbi-developments-reported/">TeleGeography</a>. </p> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=2e59ef2d-ae41-4362-acd4-d712a2de58db" /> Bandwidth Broadband Investments http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=72fd3898-0983-4cfe-965d-0524a201172d http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,72fd3898-0983-4cfe-965d-0524a201172d.aspx

China’s ZTE Corporation has announced the signing of a deal with Swedish mobile operator Hi3G Access worth USD74 million to expand its 4G and 3G cellular infrastructure. Under the ‘strategic cooperation agreement’ ZTE says it will deploy several thousand UMTS/LTE TDD/LTE FDD base stations, as well as auxiliary microwave and data transmission equipment over the next three years. ‘We are very glad to ink the deal with Hi3G in Sweden where the two companies launched the world’s first multi-mode LTE network,’ said Huang Zheng, CEO of ZTE Sweden. ZTE’s ‘Uni-Ran’ solutions have been utilised to help Hi3G to integrate three modes and five frequencies into one network, with commercial operations launched at the end of 2011, under the claim of being Europe’s first large-scale LTE-based TDD network. Hi3G Sweden’s CTO Jorgen Askeroth said recently of the deployment: ‘Over the past twelve months, Hi3G Sweden and ZTE went all out to deploy the LTE network in Sweden. ZTE offers professional support and achieved the target commercial launch date of 15 December 2011. As of now, TDD performance is better than expected.’ TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database says that via a March 2012 contract between the two companies, Hi3G’s existing 2600MHz LTE network (launched in December in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo) is being expanded across southern Sweden using the 800MHz digital dividend frequency band.

Source: TeleGeography.

Hi3G Sweden signs 4G/3G TDD/FDD expansion deal with ZTE http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,72fd3898-0983-4cfe-965d-0524a201172d.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Hi3G+Sweden+Signs+4G3G+TDDFDD+Expansion+Deal+With+ZTE.aspx Fri, 22 Jun 2012 10:58:17 GMT <p> China’s <span class=caps>ZTE</span> Corporation has announced the signing of a deal with Swedish mobile operator Hi3G Access worth <span class=caps>USD74</span> million to expand its 4G and 3G cellular infrastructure. Under the ‘strategic cooperation agreement’ <span class=caps>ZTE</span> says it will deploy several thousand <span class=caps>UMTS</span>/LTE <span class=caps>TDD</span>/LTE <span class=caps>FDD</span> base stations, as well as auxiliary microwave and data transmission equipment over the next three years. ‘We are very glad to ink the deal with Hi3G in Sweden where the two companies launched the world’s first multi-mode <span class=caps>LTE</span> network,’ said Huang Zheng, <span class=caps>CEO</span> of <span class=caps>ZTE</span> Sweden. <span class=caps>ZTE</span>’s ‘Uni-Ran’ solutions have been utilised to help Hi3G to integrate three modes and five frequencies into one network, with commercial operations launched at the end of 2011, under the claim of being Europe’s first large-scale <span class=caps>LTE</span>-based <span class=caps>TDD</span> network. Hi3G Sweden’s <span class=caps>CTO</span> Jorgen Askeroth said recently of the deployment: ‘Over the past twelve months, Hi3G Sweden and <span class=caps>ZTE</span> went all out to deploy the <span class=caps>LTE</span> network in Sweden. <span class=caps>ZTE</span> offers professional support and achieved the target commercial launch date of 15 December 2011. As of now, <span class=caps>TDD</span> performance is better than expected.’ TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database says that via a March 2012 contract between the two companies, Hi3G’s existing 2600MHz <span class=caps>LTE</span> network (launched in December in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo) is being expanded across southern Sweden using the 800MHz digital dividend frequency band. </p> <p> Source: <a href="Hi3G Sweden signs 4G/3G TDD/FDD expansion deal with ZTE">TeleGeography</a>. </p> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=72fd3898-0983-4cfe-965d-0524a201172d" /> 3G Infrastructure Investments LTE http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=a43cf72a-078c-4aa0-bcab-b980e9b23a8b http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,a43cf72a-078c-4aa0-bcab-b980e9b23a8b.aspx

Ukraine’s largest telecoms group Ukrtelecom has targeted new investments in its fixed broadband network totaling around UAH550 million (USD68 million), quadruple the total CAPEX budget of UAH135.4 million set for 2012, according to the telco’s acting head Igor Kravets, quoted by newspaper Comments.ua. Kravets said that Ukrtelecom hopes to attract a further 400,000 subscribers to its fixed broadband user base, which totaled 1.406 million at the end of March 2012 according to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database. The company plans to issue up to UAH600 million worth of bonds this quarter to help finance an overall investment programme of UAH888 million, around 60% of which is earmarked for broadband development.

For the first three months of 2012, the fixed line, internet and 3G mobile operator posted a net profit of UAH5.4 million, on quarterly net revenues of UAH1.642 billion, but did not provide a direct year-on-year comparison due to a switchover to IFRS reporting standards. Under local accounting standards, the firm had reported a net loss in Q1 2011 of UAH200.2 million (with losses widening that quarter by 5.5 times), and a 2.7% drop in net revenue to UAH1.631 billion. Ukrtelecom’s mobile unit, assets of which were transferred to a new entity, TriMob, at the beginning of this year, is up for sale, although Austrian parent fund Epic is reported to be in elongated discussions with prospective buyers over a suitable price.

Source: TeleGeography.

Ukrtelecom posts small profit in Q1, announces USD68 million broadband investment target (Ukraine) http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,a43cf72a-078c-4aa0-bcab-b980e9b23a8b.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Ukrtelecom+Posts+Small+Profit+In+Q1+Announces+USD68+Million+Broadband+Investment+Target+Ukraine.aspx Fri, 22 Jun 2012 08:47:30 GMT <p> Ukraine’s largest telecoms group Ukrtelecom has targeted new investments in its fixed broadband network totaling around <span class=caps>UAH550</span> million (USD68 million), quadruple the total <span class=caps>CAPEX</span> budget of <span class=caps>UAH135</span>.4 million set for 2012, according to the telco’s acting head Igor Kravets, quoted by newspaper Comments.ua. Kravets said that Ukrtelecom hopes to attract a further 400,000 subscribers to its fixed broadband user base, which totaled 1.406 million at the end of March 2012 according to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database. The company plans to issue up to <span class=caps>UAH600</span> million worth of bonds this quarter to help finance an overall investment programme of <span class=caps>UAH888</span> million, around 60% of which is earmarked for broadband development. </p> <p> For the first three months of 2012, the fixed line, internet and 3G mobile operator posted a net profit of <span class=caps>UAH5</span>.4 million, on quarterly net revenues of <span class=caps>UAH1</span>.642 billion, but did not provide a direct year-on-year comparison due to a switchover to <span class=caps>IFRS</span> reporting standards. Under local accounting standards, the firm had reported a net loss in <span class=caps>Q1 2011</span> of <span class=caps>UAH200</span>.2 million (with losses widening that quarter by 5.5 times), and a 2.7% drop in net revenue to <span class=caps>UAH1</span>.631 billion. Ukrtelecom’s mobile unit, assets of which were transferred to a new entity, TriMob, at the beginning of this year, is up for sale, although Austrian parent fund Epic is reported to be in elongated discussions with prospective buyers over a suitable price. </p> <p> Source: <a href="http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2012/05/03/ukrtelecom-posts-small-profit-in-q1-announces-usd68-million-broadband-investment-target/">TeleGeography</a>. </p> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=a43cf72a-078c-4aa0-bcab-b980e9b23a8b" /> Broadband Investments http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=1e8d9e9a-2497-4c0b-9bde-74e71a1efc6f http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,1e8d9e9a-2497-4c0b-9bde-74e71a1efc6f.aspx

According to preliminary data from Lithuania’s Communications Regulatory Authority (RRT), the number of broadband customers in the country stood at 956,000 at the end of the third quarter of 2011, an increase of 12% year-on-year and up 4% quarter-on-quarter. Of that total, 716,000 were fixed high speed internet subscribers (an increase of 2.2% over Q3 2010) and the remaining 240,000 were mobile broadband subscribers (up 8%). Revenues from retail broadband access services grew only 0.05% quarter-on-quarter to LTL91.4 million (USD35.8 million).

The regulator reports that fixed telephony subscriber dropped 3% during the third quarter of 2011 to reach 718,000 at the end of September, while revenue generated by fixed telephony services also declined by 3% during the period to LTL65.7 million. Mobile telephony turnover also fell to LTL239.3 million during 3Q11, down 1.1% compared to the second quarter. The RRT’s preliminary data states that 3G network subscribers totalled 1.077 million at 30 September 2011, accounting for 22% of the overall active mobile customer base. Overall, Lithuania’s telecommunications market generated revenue of LTL598.9 million in Q3 2011, down 1.1% quarter-on-quarter and a drop of 9% year-on-year. Capital expenditure on telecoms infrastructure totalled LTL80.9 million, down 14% over the previous quarter Q2 but up 20% from the year-ago period.

Regulator reports steady rise in broadband subs (Lithuania) http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,1e8d9e9a-2497-4c0b-9bde-74e71a1efc6f.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Regulator+Reports+Steady+Rise+In+Broadband+Subs+Lithuania.aspx Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:28:00 GMT <div class=article-text> <p> According to preliminary data from Lithuania’s Communications Regulatory Authority (RRT), the number of broadband customers in the country stood at 956,000 at the end of the third quarter of 2011, an increase of 12% year-on-year and up 4% quarter-on-quarter. Of that total, 716,000 were fixed high speed internet subscribers (an increase of 2.2% over <span class=caps>Q3 2010</span>) and the remaining 240,000 were mobile broadband subscribers (up 8%). Revenues from retail broadband access services grew only 0.05% quarter-on-quarter to <span class=caps>LTL91</span>.4 million (USD35.8 million). </p> <p> The regulator reports that fixed telephony subscriber dropped 3% during the third quarter of 2011 to reach 718,000 at the end of September, while revenue generated by fixed telephony services also declined by 3% during the period to <span class=caps>LTL65</span>.7 million. Mobile telephony turnover also fell to <span class=caps>LTL239</span>.3 million during 3Q11, down 1.1% compared to the second quarter. The <span class=caps>RRT</span>’s preliminary data states that 3G network subscribers totalled 1.077 million at 30 September 2011, accounting for 22% of the overall active mobile customer base. Overall, Lithuania’s telecommunications market generated revenue of <span class=caps>LTL598</span>.9 million in <span class=caps>Q3 2011</span>, down 1.1% quarter-on-quarter and a drop of 9% year-on-year. Capital expenditure on telecoms infrastructure totalled <span class=caps>LTL80</span>.9 million, down 14% over the previous quarter Q2 but up 20% from the year-ago period. </p> </div> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=1e8d9e9a-2497-4c0b-9bde-74e71a1efc6f" /> 3G Broadband Fixed line Investments Mobile broadband Revenues http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=f1bcb4d1-194d-4bab-b896-63d14cdfb65c http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,f1bcb4d1-194d-4bab-b896-63d14cdfb65c.aspx

France Telecom-Orange has announced an agreement with fellow operator SFR to deploy optical fibre technology covering millions of households in less densely-populated areas of mainland France. The fibre-optic deployment agreement drawn up by France Telecom-Orange and SFR covers around 9.8 million homes in agglomerations where ‘both operators have redundant deployment projects’, the statement read. Under the terms of the agreement, SFR will serve 2.3 million of these households and France Telecom-Orange will serve 7.5 million.

A spokeswoman for Orange confirmed the plan, Reuters reports, but declined to confirm whether or not the two carriers would share the investment of nearly EUR5 billion (USD6.8 billion). The fibre investment forms part of France Telecom-Orange’s plan to spend EUR2 billion by 2015 on fibre expansion to reach 60% of French households (target date 2020) – aided by private-operator investment. SFR declined to comment on the release.

Source: TeleGeography

France Telecom-Orange, SFR strike agreement to roll out fibre to less densely populated areas (France) http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,f1bcb4d1-194d-4bab-b896-63d14cdfb65c.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/France+TelecomOrange+SFR+Strike+Agreement+To+Roll+Out+Fibre+To+Less+Densely+Populated+Areas+France.aspx Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:41:54 GMT <div class=article-text> <p> France Telecom-Orange has announced an agreement with fellow operator <span class=caps>SFR</span> to deploy optical fibre technology covering millions of households in less densely-populated areas of mainland France. The fibre-optic deployment agreement drawn up by France Telecom-Orange and <span class=caps>SFR</span> covers around 9.8 million homes in agglomerations where ‘both operators have redundant deployment projects’, the statement read. Under the terms of the agreement, <span class=caps>SFR</span> will serve 2.3 million of these households and France Telecom-Orange will serve 7.5 million. </p> <p> A spokeswoman for Orange confirmed the plan, Reuters reports, but declined to confirm whether or not the two carriers would share the investment of nearly <span class=caps>EUR5</span> billion (USD6.8 billion). The fibre investment forms part of France Telecom-Orange’s plan to spend <span class=caps>EUR2</span> billion by 2015 on fibre expansion to reach 60% of French households (target date 2020) – aided by private-operator investment. <span class=caps>SFR</span> declined to comment on the release. </p> <p> Source: <a href="http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2011/11/15/france-telecom-orange-sfr-strike-agreement-to-roll-out-fibre-to-less-densely-populated-areas/">TeleGeography</a> </p> </div> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=f1bcb4d1-194d-4bab-b896-63d14cdfb65c" /> FTTH/B Infrastructure Investments http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=a348323d-a626-434e-8427-91e895d31070 http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,a348323d-a626-434e-8427-91e895d31070.aspx

Safaricom, Kenya’s largest mobile operator in terms of subscribers, has announced plans to roll out its own independent fibre-optic network, in a bid to secure a larger share of the data market, and reduce its reliance on the voice market. The move will see the operator following in the footsteps of rival Telkom Kenya which signposted its intention to shift strategic focus in 2010; in March 2011 Telkom’s plan started to bear fruit, when it launched fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) broadband services in Muthaiga and Parklands, two of Nairobi’s most affluent suburbs. Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore told Business Daily Africa: ‘This is in support of our strategic direction to be the regional leader in broadband provision; the new direction will give us greater control of the quality of service offered to our customers’. The cellco has now started its search for company to build and maintain the inland network, which is expected to cost in the region of KES1 billion (USD10.22 million).

Whilst the bulk of its broadband coverage is provided by WiMAX connectivity, in February 2010 – alongside rival telcos Jamii Telecom Ltd (JTL) and Wananchi Online – Safaricom activated a fibre-optic link between Nairobi and Mombasa, using infrastructure leased from the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). Safaricom signed up for a pair of the fibres in a 20-year lease on the Nairobi-Mombasa line for KES288 million.

Source: TeleGeography

Safaricom plans national fibre-optic network (Kenya) http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,a348323d-a626-434e-8427-91e895d31070.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Safaricom+Plans+National+Fibreoptic+Network+Kenya.aspx Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:33:03 GMT <div class=article-text> <p> Safaricom, Kenya’s largest mobile operator in terms of subscribers, has announced plans to roll out its own independent fibre-optic network, in a bid to secure a larger share of the data market, and reduce its reliance on the voice market. The move will see the operator following in the footsteps of rival Telkom Kenya which signposted its intention to shift strategic focus in 2010; in March 2011 Telkom’s plan started to bear fruit, when it launched fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) broadband services in Muthaiga and Parklands, two of Nairobi’s most affluent suburbs. Safaricom <span class=caps>CEO</span> Bob Collymore told Business Daily Africa: ‘This is in support of our strategic direction to be the regional leader in broadband provision; the new direction will give us greater control of the quality of service offered to our customers’. The cellco has now started its search for company to build and maintain the inland network, which is expected to cost in the region of <span class=caps>KES1</span> billion (USD10.22 million). </p> <p> Whilst the bulk of its broadband coverage is provided by WiMAX connectivity, in February 2010 – alongside rival telcos Jamii Telecom Ltd (JTL) and Wananchi Online – Safaricom activated a fibre-optic link between Nairobi and Mombasa, using infrastructure leased from the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). Safaricom signed up for a pair of the fibres in a 20-year lease on the Nairobi-Mombasa line for <span class=caps>KES288</span> million. </p> </div> <p> Source: <a href="http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2011/11/10/safaricom-plans-national-fibre-optic-network/">TeleGeography</a> </p> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=a348323d-a626-434e-8427-91e895d31070" /> Infrastructure Investments http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=a6748eaa-9f60-4bd7-982f-012d74280bd7 http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,a6748eaa-9f60-4bd7-982f-012d74280bd7.aspx
South Korean communications provider KT will stop investing in its fixed-line telephony services as mobile and internet communications are growing. The company will instead focus on smartphones and other mobile internet devices, the Korea Times reports. Seo Yu-yeol, head of KT's home customers division, said there was "no future" in fixed-line telephony services. "In just over a year, KT added 10 million smartphone customers and I think that's very inspiring. Fixed-line voice services have been KT's bread-and-butter business for a long period and have contributed greatly to the nation's economic development. However, it's clearly a thing of the past," Seo said.

Source: TelecomPaper

KT gives up on fixed-line telephony (South Korea) http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,a6748eaa-9f60-4bd7-982f-012d74280bd7.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/KT+Gives+Up+On+Fixedline+Telephony+South+Korea.aspx Mon, 07 Nov 2011 07:58:39 GMT <div id=MainPlaceHolder_divAbstract class=hasLinksInner><span id=MainPlaceHolder_txtAbstract class=bold></span> <div class=content>South Korean communications provider KT will stop investing in its fixed-line telephony services as mobile and internet communications are growing. The company will instead focus on smartphones and other mobile internet devices, the Korea Times reports. Seo Yu-yeol, head of KT's home customers division, said there was "no future" in fixed-line telephony services. "In just over a year, KT added 10 million smartphone customers and I think that's very inspiring. Fixed-line voice services have been KT's bread-and-butter business for a long period and have contributed greatly to the nation's economic development. However, it's clearly a thing of the past," Seo said. </div> </div> <br> <p> Source: <a href="http://www.telecompaper.com/news/kt-gives-up-on-fixed-line-telephony">TelecomPaper</a> </p> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=a6748eaa-9f60-4bd7-982f-012d74280bd7" /> Fixed line Infrastructure Investments Mobile broadband http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=5abbff8f-1723-497c-9b57-339fa70ff49a http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,5abbff8f-1723-497c-9b57-339fa70ff49a.aspx

Mississippi-based mobile operator C Spire Wireless (formerly known as Cellular South) has announced that it plans to expand CDMA2000 1xEV-DO mobile broadband coverage to 238 additional cell sites in Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee by the end of 2011, as part of its continuing network expansion initiative. The commitment to extending 3G coverage will see services offered to 61 new cities in an estimated USD10 million upgrade. The improvements mean that, going forward, advanced mobile broadband services will be available to approximately 4.7 million consumers and businesses.

Kevin Hankins, chief operating officer for C Spire Wireless, commented: ‘Wireless devices are only as good as the network on which they work, which is why we are aggressively expanding our advanced mobile broadband coverage. We want consumers and businesses to have the best possible wireless experience, whether they are making a phone call, sending a text message, sharing videos and photos, checking the latest scores or making their business mobile’. Hankins claims that the cellco has invested in excess of USD1 billion in network improvements since 2003.

Source: TeleGeography

C Spire boosts 3G coverage to 238 extra cell sites (United States) http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,5abbff8f-1723-497c-9b57-339fa70ff49a.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/C+Spire+Boosts+3G+Coverage+To+238+Extra+Cell+Sites+United+States.aspx Mon, 07 Nov 2011 07:36:41 GMT <div class=article-text> <p> Mississippi-based mobile operator C Spire Wireless (formerly known as Cellular South) has announced that it plans to expand <span class=caps>CDMA2000</span> 1xEV-DO mobile broadband coverage to 238 additional cell sites in Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee by the end of 2011, as part of its continuing network expansion initiative. The commitment to extending 3G coverage will see services offered to 61 new cities in an estimated <span class=caps>USD10</span> million upgrade. The improvements mean that, going forward, advanced mobile broadband services will be available to approximately 4.7 million consumers and businesses. </p> <p> Kevin Hankins, chief operating officer for C Spire Wireless, commented: ‘Wireless devices are only as good as the network on which they work, which is why we are aggressively expanding our advanced mobile broadband coverage. We want consumers and businesses to have the best possible wireless experience, whether they are making a phone call, sending a text message, sharing videos and photos, checking the latest scores or making their business mobile’. Hankins claims that the cellco has invested in excess of <span class=caps>USD1</span> billion in network improvements since 2003. </p> </div> <p> Source: <a href="http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2011/10/26/c-spire-boosts-3g-coverage-to-238-extra-cell-sites/">TeleGeography</a> </p> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=5abbff8f-1723-497c-9b57-339fa70ff49a" /> Infrastructure Investments Mobile broadband http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=10f8f98a-46c7-439b-b1da-cad3f40e7d97 http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,10f8f98a-46c7-439b-b1da-cad3f40e7d97.aspx

UK-based Virgin Media has announced that it will launch wireless services in Chile as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in the first quarter of 2012. Late last month Virgin received approval to offer services from the telecoms regulator Sub-Secretaria de Telecomunicaciones (Subtel).

Virgin will use the network of Spanish-based Telefonica Moviles Chile, which operates under the Movistar brand. As previously reported by CommsUpdate, the UK group is expecting to invest between USD20 million and USD25 million into its Chilean operations, and has its eyes on expansion elsewhere in the region with Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, Colombia and Mexico high on the list of target markets.

Source: TeleGeography

Virgin to launch MVNO in Chile http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,10f8f98a-46c7-439b-b1da-cad3f40e7d97.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Virgin+To+Launch+MVNO+In+Chile.aspx Mon, 07 Nov 2011 07:29:14 GMT <div class=article-text> <p> UK-based Virgin Media has announced that it will launch wireless services in Chile as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in the first quarter of 2012. Late last month Virgin received approval to offer services from the telecoms regulator Sub-Secretaria de Telecomunicaciones (Subtel). </p> <p> Virgin will use the network of Spanish-based Telefonica Moviles Chile, which operates under the Movistar brand. As previously reported by CommsUpdate, the UK group is expecting to invest between <span class=caps>USD20</span> million and <span class=caps>USD25</span> million into its Chilean operations, and has its eyes on expansion elsewhere in the region with Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, Colombia and Mexico high on the list of target markets. </p> <p> Source: <a href="http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2011/10/24/virgin-to-launch-mvno-in-chile/">TeleGeography</a> </p> </div> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=10f8f98a-46c7-439b-b1da-cad3f40e7d97" /> Investments MVNO http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=7717479d-9457-4023-9e33-8c30089c021d http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,7717479d-9457-4023-9e33-8c30089c021d.aspx Digital Agenda: Commission proposes over €9 billion for broadband investment (European Union) http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,7717479d-9457-4023-9e33-8c30089c021d.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Digital+Agenda+Commission+Proposes+Over+9+Billion+For+Broadband+Investment+European+Union.aspx Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:19:33 GMT <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 17.85pt 10pt 0cm; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto" class=MsoNormal> <span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang=EN><font color=#000000><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />The European Commission has proposed to spend almost €9.2 billion from 2014 to 2020 on pan-European projects to give EU citizens and businesses access to high-speed broadband networks and the services that run on them. The funding, part of the proposed Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), would take the form of both equity and debt instruments and grants. It would complement private investment and public money at local, regional and national level and EU structural or cohesion funds. At least €7 billion would be available for investment in high-speed broadband infrastructure. <o:p></o:p> </font></span> </p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto" class=MsoNormal> <span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang=EN><font color=#000000>The Commission considers that this money could leverage a total of between €50 and 100 billion of public and private investment – i.e. a substantial proportion of the estimated €270 billion of broadband investment needed to meet </font><a href="http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/digital-agenda/index_en.htm"><span style="COLOR: windowtext; TEXT-DECORATION: none; text-underline: none">Digital Agenda</span></a><font color=#000000> targets on broadband. The remaining CEF funding for digital infrastructure would support public interest digital service infrastructure such as electronic health records, electronic identification and electronic procurement. The proposed financial support is complemented by proposed new guidelines for trans-European telecommunications networks and services. These guidelines would establish new objectives, priorities, projects of common interest and criteria for identifying further projects of common interest.</font></span> </p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto" class=MsoNormal> <span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang=EN></span><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang=EN><font color=#000000>Money for broadband infrastructure<o:p></o:p> </font></span> </p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto" class=MsoNormal> <span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang=EN><font color=#000000>In the case of broadband infrastructure, EU funding from the CEF would leverage other private and public money by giving projects credibility and lowering their risk profiles. The money would be largely in the form of equity, debt or guarantees. This would then attract capital market financing from investors; the Commission and international financial institutions such as the European Investment Bank would absorb part of the risk and improve projects' credit rating.<br> <br> Projects are likely to be proposed by established telecoms operators as well as new players such as water, sewage, electricity utilities, cooperative investment projects or construction firms. Many projects are likely to involve several of these investors clubbing together. The Commission also expects public authorities to join projects as part of public-private partnerships.<o:p></o:p> </font></span> </p> <p> Source: <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/newsroom/cf/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=7430&amp;utm_campaign=isp&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_source=newsroom&amp;utm_content=type-news">European Commission</a> </p> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=7717479d-9457-4023-9e33-8c30089c021d" /> Broadband Europe Investments http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=8b7f66c3-d9b7-446c-b1bb-1112dbd7549e http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,8b7f66c3-d9b7-446c-b1bb-1112dbd7549e.aspx
Algeria has invited bids from operators for the country's first 3G licences. According to the terms of the tender outlined by state telecoms regulator ARPT, bids are due on 7 October and it will announced the winners on 23 October. The winners will be able to launch commercial services by the first quarter of 2012.
 
Further details on the pricing and spectrum available were not released. Algeria counts three mobile operators: Mobilis, owned by incumbent Algerie Telecom; Nedjma, controlled by Qatar Telecom; and Djezzy, started by Orascom Telecom.

Source: Telecom Paper

Algeria invites bids for 3G licences http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,8b7f66c3-d9b7-446c-b1bb-1112dbd7549e.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Algeria+Invites+Bids+For+3G+Licences.aspx Thu, 29 Sep 2011 07:25:54 GMT <div id=MainPlaceHolder_divAbstract class=hasLinksInner><span id=MainPlaceHolder_txtAbstract class=bold></span> <div class=content>Algeria has invited bids from operators for the country's first 3G licences. According to the terms of the tender outlined by state telecoms regulator ARPT, bids are due on 7 October and it will announced the winners on 23 October. The winners will be able to launch commercial services by the first quarter of 2012. </div> <div class=content>&nbsp; </div> <div class=content>Further details on the pricing and spectrum available were not released. Algeria counts three mobile operators: Mobilis, owned by incumbent Algerie Telecom; Nedjma, controlled by Qatar Telecom; and Djezzy, started by Orascom Telecom. </div> </div> <p> Source: <a href="http://www.telecompaper.com/news/algeria-invites-bids-for-3g-licences">Telecom Paper<br> </a> </p> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=8b7f66c3-d9b7-446c-b1bb-1112dbd7549e" /> 3G Infrastructure Investments http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=afbdf5d2-cdad-43bc-a5db-b9562757c67c http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,afbdf5d2-cdad-43bc-a5db-b9562757c67c.aspx

CEO of Jordan Telecom, Nayla Khawam, has announced plans to invest JOD50 million (USD70.3 million) in developing faster 3G and internet services. The statement was delivered in the wake of a pledge last week from rival telco Umniah Telecommunications and Technology Company to launch its own 3G network in 2012.

According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database 3G services were launched by Jordan Telecom in March 2010 and within twelve months it had 300,000 customers using the service. Jordan’s only other 3G provider, Zain Jordan, claimed 41,000 3G users at the same date.

Source: TeleGeography

Jordan Telecom to invest JOD50 million in 3G http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,afbdf5d2-cdad-43bc-a5db-b9562757c67c.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Jordan+Telecom+To+Invest+JOD50+Million+In+3G.aspx Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:10:26 GMT <div class=article-text> <p> <span class=caps>CEO</span> of Jordan Telecom, Nayla Khawam, has announced plans to invest <span class=caps>JOD50</span> million (USD70.3 million) in developing faster 3G and internet services. The statement was delivered in the wake of a pledge last week from rival telco Umniah Telecommunications and Technology Company to launch its own 3G network in 2012. </p> <p> According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database 3G services were launched by Jordan Telecom in March 2010 and within twelve months it had 300,000 customers using the service. Jordan’s only other 3G provider, Zain Jordan, claimed 41,000 3G users at the same date. </p> <p> Source: <a href="http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2011/06/22/jordan-telecom-to-invest-jod50-million-in-3g/">TeleGeography</a> </p> </div> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=afbdf5d2-cdad-43bc-a5db-b9562757c67c" /> 3G Investments http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=ffb1f725-ff39-4b1a-9d14-d12f828e92c4 http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,ffb1f725-ff39-4b1a-9d14-d12f828e92c4.aspx

Slovenia is providing EUR36.8 million (USD50.6 million) of state grants to support five local consortiums in deploying broadband internet networks in 23 municipalities, seenews.com reports.

The consortiums, led by the Mokronog-Trebelno, Sezana, Pivka, Mozirje and Slovenske Konjice municipalities, will invest the funds in internet networks in rural areas where there is no commercial interest for infrastructure deployments, the country’s technology ministry said in a statement on its website.

Source: TeleGeography

Slovenia grants USD50.6m broadband grants in 23 municipalities http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,ffb1f725-ff39-4b1a-9d14-d12f828e92c4.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Slovenia+Grants+USD506m+Broadband+Grants+In+23+Municipalities.aspx Tue, 01 Mar 2011 13:25:38 GMT <p> Slovenia is providing EUR36.8 million (USD50.6 million) of state grants to support five local consortiums in deploying broadband internet networks in 23 municipalities, seenews.com reports. </p> <p> The consortiums, led by the Mokronog-Trebelno, Sezana, Pivka, Mozirje and Slovenske Konjice municipalities, will invest the funds in internet networks in rural areas where there is no commercial interest for infrastructure deployments, the country’s technology ministry said in a statement on its website. </p> <p> Source: <a href="http://www.telegeography.com/cu/article.php?article_id=36323&amp;email=html">TeleGeography</a> </p> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=ffb1f725-ff39-4b1a-9d14-d12f828e92c4" /> Infrastructure Investments http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Trackback.aspx?guid=c6400c94-6ed5-40e7-a286-e7c2f8cba856 http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/pingback.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,c6400c94-6ed5-40e7-a286-e7c2f8cba856.aspx

The auction for a third mobile network operating licence in Syria will begin in April with a starting bid of EUR90 million (USD122.2 million), according to the Deputy Minister of Telecommunications, Mohammad Al-Jallali, as quoted by Syria Report. According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database, at the end of last year the Syrian authorities set 12 April 2011 as date to auction the country’s third mobile licence. At the time Imad Sabouni, the Syrian communications and technology minister, added that to facilitate the process an independent regulator would be set up ahead of the auction.

However, a separate report suggested that the five firms pre-qualified to bid for the licence – Turkcell, France Telecom, Saudi Telecom Company, Etisalat and Qtel – have all reacted strongly to the Syrian government’s call that they provide revenue projections for their prospective businesses there.

In a meeting in Damascus in 4Q10, Syrian telecom officials came under scrutiny concerning ‘sections in the tender where investors see risk, and vagueness about certain clauses.’ In particular, bidders are concerned that the government regulate roaming agreements with the country’s incumbent cellcos MTN Syria and SyriaTel, so the new operator would not face a disadvantage. Objections were also raised concerning the state’s call that bidders submit a business plan with revenue projection – even though the award is being decided through an auction. The licence tender requires the winning bidder to give 25% of its annual mobile revenue to the government, and stipulates that Syria's state telecoms company STE will hold a 20% stake in the new mobile operator.

Source: TeleGeography

Syria sets EUR90m reserve on third mobile licence http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/PermaLink,guid,c6400c94-6ed5-40e7-a286-e7c2f8cba856.aspx http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/Syria+Sets+EUR90m+Reserve+On+Third+Mobile+Licence.aspx Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:42:58 GMT <p> The auction for a third mobile network operating licence in Syria will begin in April with a starting bid of EUR90 million (USD122.2 million), according to the Deputy Minister of Telecommunications, Mohammad Al-Jallali, as quoted by Syria Report. According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database, at the end of last year the Syrian authorities set 12 April 2011 as date to auction the country’s third mobile licence. At the time Imad Sabouni, the Syrian communications and technology minister, added that to facilitate the process an independent regulator would be set up ahead of the auction. </p> <p> However, a separate report suggested that the five firms pre-qualified to bid for the licence – Turkcell, France Telecom, Saudi Telecom Company, Etisalat and Qtel – have all reacted strongly to the Syrian government’s call that they provide revenue projections for their prospective businesses there. </p> <p> In a meeting in Damascus in 4Q10, Syrian telecom officials came under scrutiny concerning ‘sections in the tender where investors see risk, and vagueness about certain clauses.’ In particular, bidders are concerned that the government regulate roaming agreements with the country’s incumbent cellcos MTN Syria and SyriaTel, so the new operator would not face a disadvantage. Objections were also raised concerning the state’s call that bidders submit a business plan with revenue projection – even though the award is being decided through an auction. The licence tender requires the winning bidder to give 25% of its annual mobile revenue to the government, and stipulates that Syria's state telecoms company STE will hold a 20% stake in the new mobile operator. </p> <p> Source: <a href="http://www.telegeography.com/cu/article.php?article_id=36078&amp;email=html">TeleGeography</a> </p> <img width="0" height="0" src="http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/newslog/aggbug.ashx?id=c6400c94-6ed5-40e7-a286-e7c2f8cba856" /> Infrastructure Investments Mobile