Colombia's second-largest mobile operator, Movistar, owned by Spain's Telefónica, has announced plans to launch 3G services in the country by the end of 2008. The services will use UMTS-based technology and the initial roll out will be to seven major cities, including the capital, Bogotá. The launch will bring the company in line with its larger rival América Móvil's Comcel,... 2008-07-04

China's telecommunications equipment vendor Huawei Technologies has shortlisted five private equity companies for its mobile devices unit, reported to be worth in excess of US$2bn. Bain Capital, Goldman Sachs's private equity arm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co, and Silver Lake have all made it through to the second round of bidding, according to several press reports.... 2008-07-03

Hungarian Telephone and Cable Corporation (HTCC), one of Hungary's largest alternative telecoms operators, has retained the services of the investment bank BNP Paribas Corporate Finance to assist it in evaluating strategic alternatives for the business. In a statement released to the stock market, the company said that it would not be publicly disclosing additional information... 2008-07-02

Morocco's second-ranked mobile operator Meditel plans to invest MAD4.2bn (US$577mn) over the next two years to drive growth of its market share. At the end of 2007, Meditel had a subscriber base of 6.7mn, significantly behind Maroc Telecom, with a 13.3mn customer base and market share of 66.5%. Mobile penetration rates stood at 62% in 2007, indicating a mature market, despite... 2008-07-02

Advertising-funded mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) Blyk has announced it will launch services in Belgium using Mobistar's network. The second largest operator will allow Blyk to launch its services, aimed at 16-24 year olds, as the MVNO expands its presence across Europe. The operator launched in the UK in September 2007 and reported it had reached its one-year target... 2008-07-02