The first satellite for the Asia Cellular Satellite (ACeS) mobile telephony and data services communication system is scheduled to be launched in November from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, according to the satellite’s manufacturer Lockheed Martin. The ACeS System is owned by Bermuda-based ACeS International, with primary shareholders Lockheed Martin Global Telecommunications, Pasifik Satelit Nusantara, Jasmine International Overseas Co. and the Philippines Long Distance Telephone Co. The satellite is scheduled to begin service in April. A second ACeS satellite will eventually allow coverage to Western and Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Northern Africa.
Australia
Telstra announced that its MobileNet GSM customers exceed 3 million and that it now has a 49-percent share of the Australian mobile phone market. The carrier’s CDMA network is commercially available in some parts of Australia, and CDMA coverage is expected to reach 95 percent of the population.
Japan
Vodafone AirTouch announced a series of deals strengthening its wireless position in Japan. It is acquiring from Cable & Wireless its entire equity stake in the Digital Phone Group and in the six Digital Tu-Ka Group companies. It is also buying additional shares in the Digital Tu-Ka companies from Japan Telecom.
Malaysia
LGC Wireless announced its LGCell system has been selected by an unnamed GSM 900 provider in Malaysia to provide wireless access in the tallest buildings in the world-the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.
Philippines
Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), owner of cellular operator Piltel, is buying the country’s largest cellular operator, Smart Communications. In related news, NTT is taking a 15-percent stake in PLDT.
Vietnam
Telstra has signed an international GSM roaming agreement with Vietnamese mobile operator GPC for its Vinaphone network. Telstra said it also expected to sign a similar agreement with mobile operator VMS for its Mobifone network.
