Scandinavia
As expected, the European Commission approved the merger of Telia of Sweden and Telenor of Norway. To secure the approval, the two companies have consented to sell their cable TV operations and eliminate overlapping activities in Sweden, Norway and Ireland. The merger will create a company valued at US$49 billion.
United Kingdom
Nortel Networks said U.K. operator One 2 One will launch a wireless Internet trial in selected areas of London using Nortel’s General Packet Radio Service solution. The trial will test Wireless Application Protocol service capabilities as well as personalized wireless Internet portals, secure corporate intranet access and other high-speed mobile data services, said Nortel. One 2 One plans to begin offering commercial GPRS service sometime next year.
Latin America
BellSouth International Wireless Services and Systems/Link Corp. announced a strategic alliance to bring RoamEx-type solutions to the BSI-WS customer base in Latin America. The companies said they will establish a link between the North America-based RoamEx network and the BSI-WS call data delivery network in Latin America. This will provide RoamEx and BSI-WS members with international roaming and near real-time call record exchange.
China
Qualcomm Inc. announced Chinese government approval of its contract with Guandong South Satellite Telecommunications Service Co. Ltd. to provide satellite data services in China. SST will offer Qualcomm’s OmniTRACS mobile information management system to China’s transportation industry.
Morocco
Medi Telecom, Telefonica’s affiliate in Morocco, said it will invest up to $235 million between 1999 and 2002 in its Global System for Mobile communications network, creating 1,100 jobs. Buildout on the network is expected to begin Oct. 15 and service to customers will begin in April, said Telefonica.
