VeloCom Inc., which recently won “mirror” licenses to operate competitive telecommunications networks in Brazil, said it has acquired the Latin American assets of Argentina-based SLI Wireless S.A. and Brazil-based Taquari Participacoes S.A., in return for stock. The move gives VeloCom interests in telecommunications companies in Argentina and Colombia, including licenses to offer wireless services. The deal also expands its holdings in its Brazilian mirror companies, Canbra Telefonica and Megatel do Brasil, which are marketed under the name Vesper.
In related news, VeloCom also recently acquired the Latin American assets of U.S.-based Formus Communications in return for stock. Under terms of the transaction, Formus will also invest about US$21 million to acquire additional shares of VeloCom and will own about 20.5 percent of VeloCom upon closure of the transaction.
StarMedia Network announced plans to expand its Spanish- and Portuguese-language Internet media business to wireless devices, including cellular phones and personal digital assistants. The company acquired PageCell International Holdings as part of the initiative. The new StarMedia Mobile division plans to partner with carriers in Latin America to deliver StarMedia’s contents and features such as e-mail, weather, horoscopes, sports, finance and other personalized information to wireless devices.
Argentina
Movilpage Communications, Miami, United States, said it is acquiring 90 percent of an Argentine company holding a nationwide 38 GHz broadband wireless license in Argentina.
Brazil
Lightel has been ordered to sell its stake in Tess, a cellular operator serving the interior of Sao Paulo state, according to Folha de Sao Paulo. The National Telecommunications Agency ordered Lightel to sell its 19.9-percent stake because of a conflict of interest with a local fixed-line operator Lightel controls within Tess’ coverage area, said the report.
Anatel authorized Brazil’s cellular operators to increase rates by as much as 9.9 percent, according to a report in O Estado de Sao Paulo.
