Belgium
KPN Orange launched GSM 1800 service in early April as the third mobile operator in Belgium.
Ireland
Esat Telecom Group confirmed it accepted an offer to acquire a pro rata share of 9 percent of Ireland’s GSM operator Esat Digifone for US$57 million from International Investment and Underwriting. The acquisition would raise Esat Telecom’s stake from 45 percent to 49.5 percent.
Russia
Leap Wireless International announced that wireless operator Metrosvyaz has launched wireless local loop service in the St. Petersburg area.
The launch, expected to add up to 10,000 new phone lines in the area, is the first of at least eight regions in which Metrosvyaz joint ventures plan to provide service in 1999, said Leap. The next operations scheduled to launch are in Tartarstan, Saratov and Krasnodar. Through a holding company, Leap indirectly owns 35 percent of Metrosvyaz.
Spain
Caja Madrid, Spain’s second largest savings bank, said it is selling its 3 percent stake in Telefonica, according to a report in the Financial Times.
Switzerland
Orange Communications is aiming for 29 June to launch its GSM 1800 service. It will compete against incumbent Swisscom and GSM 900 operator diAx Mobile.
United Kingdom
Cellnet said it will change its name to BT Cellnet effective in May.
