telecommunications — english language news service

16.05.2008« [telecommunications — телекоммуникация — telekommunikation]

bangladesh — ntt docomo to fight vodafone for aktel stake?

Japanese cellco NTT DoCoMo has placed an offer for a 30% stake in GSM operator Telecom Malaysia International Bangladesh (AKTEL) currently owned by Bangladeshi conglomerate AK Khan & Co, reports local newspaper the Daily Star. The stake, valued at around USD300 million, has also been targeted by UK-based Vodafone Group, which has previously sent representatives to negotiate with AK Khan & Co. ‘It is true that we have tendered a bid for the AKTEL stake,’ an official of NTT DoCoMo confirmed to the Star, whilst an AKTEL official told the paper, ‘We are still in the dark about our new partner. But something is going on. NTT DoCoMo is on the priority list.’ AKTEL is 70%-owned by Telekom Malaysia, and is currently in third place in Bangladesh’s mobile market. According to regulator the BTRC, the Malaysian-owned firm’s subscriber base rose by 90,000 in the first three months of 2008 to 7.45 million users, but it fell behind Orascom Telecom subsidiary Banglalink’s customer base, which grew by 430,000 to 8.31 million in the same period.

Source: TeleGeography's CommsUpdate

banglalink

banglalink is the second largest cellular service provider in Bangladesh. As of April, 2008, banglalink has a subscriber base of 8.64 million. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Orascom Telecom.

ntt docomo

NTT DoCoMo, Inc. is a wireless telecommunications services provider and a cellular phone service operator in Japan. The Company offers a range of telecommunications services, such as third generation (3G) and second generation (2G) cellular services, personal handyphone system (PHS) services, and other specialized wireless telecommunications services, including satellite telephone services. DoCoMo is focused on the development of wireless data transmission and mobile multimedia services, such as the Company�s i-mode Internet service and its 3G services. As of March 31, 2007, 47.57 million cellular subscriptions had signed up for i-mode services. i-mode is an optional service available to cellular voice subscribers offered on its nationwide 2G and 3G networks, which allows users to send and receive e-mail, access online services, access an array of information from i-mode servers and execute and settle retail transactions directly through their handsets.

orascom

Orascom Telecom Holding S.A.E. (Orascom Telecom) or (OHI) is an international telecommunications company, based in Egypt, operating global system for mobile communications (GSM) networks in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, with 70 million subscribers as of December 2007. Orascom Telecom operates through its subsidiaries in Algeria (Djezzy), Pakistan (Mobilink), Egypt (mobinil), Tunisia (Tunisiana), Bangladesh (Banglalink) and Zimbabwe (Telecel Zimbabwe). Recently, OHI has acquired a license to operate mobile services in North Korea. The main shareholder of the Company is Weather Investments, Italy. Orascom Telecom is listed on both Cairo & Alexandria Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange.

telekom malaysia

Telekom Malaysia Berhad is engaged in the establishment, maintenance and provision of telecommunication and related services. The Company operates in three segments: Malaysia Business, Celcom, International Operations and TM Ventures. Celcom is made up of Celcom (Malaysia) Berhad, a domestic subsidiary involved in the cellular business and its group of companies. International Operations comprises all overseas operations of the Company except those companies that fall within the ambit of Malaysia Business. In October 2007, it acquired Tekad Mercu Berhad and Rebung Utama Sdn Bhd. In December 2007, the Company dissolved its subsidiaries, Telesafe Sdn Bhd, Mobitel Sdn Bhd and Telekom Payphone Sdn Bhd. In March 2008, the Company acquired TM ESOS Management Sdn Bhd.

vodafone group

Vodafone Group Plc (Vodafone) is engaged in providing voice and data communications services for both consumer and enterprise customers. It has a presence in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Pacific and the United States, through its subsidiaries, joint ventures, associated undertakings and investments. It provides a range of voice and data mobile telecommunications services, including voice, text messages, picture messages and other data services, and is developing and provides service offerings, particularly through third generation (3G) mobile technology, which is being deployed in the majority of its operations. Services are provided to consumers and corporate customers, through a variety of both prepaid and contract tariff arrangements. In May 2007, Hutchison Telecom International Limited sold its 67% interest in Hutchinson Essar Limited to Vodafone. In December 2007, Vodafone acquired Tele2 Italia SpA and Tele2 Telecommunication Services SLU, from Tele2 AB.