China Mobile has started developing “5G” technologies. A senior executive of the company made the announcement during a development forum over the weekend. China Mobile beat rivals China Unicom and China Telecom in 4G by launching TD-LTE services more than a year before the other carriers.
China Mobile had 90 million 4G subscribers last year with 240 million cell phones sold.
Bharti Airtel launching 4G services in Delhi
Bharti Airtel will soon launch 4G services in New Delhi. The service roll out comes after consumer complaints about the lack of Internet speed. Bharti Airtel sources reportedly confirmed that all technical tests have been completed, and that the carrier is waiting for regulatory clearance, which is expected to come in March.
Vodafone 4G marketing battle in New Zealand
Service providers Vodafone and Spark are in the midst of a 4G marketing battle. Both providers claim to have the largest 4G network, and have posted billboards side-by-side making the claim. Vodafone is now threatening legal action against Spark, while Spark executives said that the company has contemplated filing complaints with the Commerce Commission.
Telecom Italia considering Europe acquisitions
Reutersreports that Telecom Italia will consider mergers in Europe, rather than in Brazil. Telecom Italia controls more than 65% of the country’s second largest wireless carrier, TIM. Telecom Italia executives traveled to Brazil last week to consider mergers, but CEO Marco Patuano said that any mergers in the country would require a level of complexity that is not in line with the carrier governance style.
BT launching mobile services with or without EE
BT will offer mobile services regardless if its proposed takeover of EE comes through. Tech Week Europereports that negotiations between the two companies are going well, but that BT is prepared to offer mobile services even if the deal falls through. BT will be entering the U.K. market after a 10 year absence.
