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Kuwait's MTC Adds 80,000 New Iraqi Customers In 3Q 2004
(08-11-2004)
DUBAI -(Dow Jones)- Kuwait's Mobile Telecommunications Co. (TELE.KW) Monday said its Iraqi unit, Atheer Iraq, added almost 80,000 new customers in the third quarter of 2004 - a 125% rise from its 63,387 subscribers at the end of the second quarter.
Atheer Iraq faces challenges in meeting demand for cellular telephone service in southern Iraq, but plans to accelerate network capacity and coverage, MTC said.
Iraqi investors own 50% of Atheer, with MTC holding 30% and other Kuwaiti investors the remaining 20%.
MTC said group revenues for the first nine months of 2004 were $807.64 million, 22% more than the same period last year. Net income for the same period reached $305.13 million, the company said.
MTC now has 2.84 million subscribers across its five regional networks. The company has said it is targeting 5 million customers by 2005.
MTC said its home subscriber base grew 4% in the first nine months of 2004 to reach 1.1 million, or 57% of Kuwait's cellphone market share.
MTC's Jordanian subsidiary, Fastlink, increased customers by 6% during the third quarter to reach 1.08 million subscribers, or 73% of the country's market share.
MTC Vodafone Bahrain had 76,576 customers at the end of the third quarter, a 59% increase on the second quarter.
MTC's newest regional network, MTC Liban in Lebanon, had 425,585 customers in its first four months of operations, a 4% increase since the end of the second quarter.
Under a 2002 alliance with Vodafone (VOD), MTC markets Vodafone's international products. Vodafone doesn't have a stake in MTC but is being paid a fixed fee for the use of its name.
-By Simeon Kerr, Dow Jones Newswires; +971 4 390 8134; simeon.kerr@dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
US mobile subscriber numbers to pass 200 million by 2006
A new Yankee Group report is predicting that USA mobile subscribers will increase by 50% to 200 million by year-end 2006. Mobile phones will dominate personal calling and severely cannibalize landline minutes of use.
"Wireline replacement is a US$50 billion opportunity in what we expect to be a US$110 billion mobile market in 2006," says Keith Mallinson, executive vice president of the Yankee Group's Wireless/Mobile Research. "Even more significant than the 3% of people who have actually cut the cord and have a mobile as their only phone, is the major migration of personal calling minutes to mobile phones by those who retain landlines but use them less."
Nearly 30% of total personal (i.e. non-business) calling minutes in the U.S. are already on mobile phones as of the third quarter of 2002, and this will grow to more than 50% by 2006. Despite market growth, intense price-based competition dictates that several minor wireless carriers will be acquired or will fail, and at least two national players must be eliminated before adequate financial returns can be achieved.'
from Cellular News
Nearly 300 million high spec phones by 2007
By the end of 2003, millions of Western Europeans will be accessing mobile data services over GPRS networks from one of the new breed of feature-rich 'smart' phones now available, according to a new report published by Analysys. Sales of these new devices could stimulate demand in the mobile industry by reversing declining average revenue per user, renewing sales growth for operators and encouraging new equipment sales for vendors. The number of 'feature' phones in the market could reach over 278 million in five years.
The new study states that by 2007, most of the features appearing on newly launched high-end handsets will be an integral part of a standard smart phone. These new features include colour screens, Java gaming capability, digital cameras, picture messaging (MMS), digital music and polyphonic ringtones.
According to Analysys, mobile data revenues in Western Europe are set to increase from around US$14 billion in 2002 (13.6% of mobile revenues) to US$45 billion (33% of mobile revenues) by 2007. New device features will be key to this growth as will network access speeds. Analysys anticipates that all new handsets will be GPRS- or UMTS-enabled by 2005.
However, as the inclusion of many new features has implications for the cost, size, battery life and processing power of devices, the challenge for operators and equipment vendors in the short term, says Analysys, is to combine features in different ways according to the needs of particular user groups and to ensure that device and service availability is co-ordinated. Despite their cost and draw on battery life, colour screens will quickly become a familiar feature of new handsets as they add a whole new dimension to mobile data services? instantly enhancing branded content, games and downloads. Colour screens are also a 'must' for the MMS, which is being heavily promoted by operators across Europe despite ongoing interoperability issues.
Surprisingly, operator handset subsidies look set to continue on even the higher specification feature phones, according to Analysys, as operators provide yet further incentive for users to upgrade and gain access to the new data services. For example, in the UK, the Ericsson T68 is being given away to free to T-Mobile contract customers. In addition, operators are increasingly looking to Asian ODMs (original design manufacturers) to drive down handset costs and provide differentiation.
"Several operators, including Orange and mm02, have signed exclusive handset deals with Taiwanese ODM HTC," continued Robson. "This business model poses a major threat to the current dominant device vendors."
from Cellular News
20-Nov-02
from Cellular News
Nokia posts higher than expected profits
Nokia reported yesterday that it's fourth-quarter sales rose by 1% compared with the fourth quarter 2001, reaching US$9.4 billion. Sales for Nokia Mobile Phones were flat year on year, reaching US$7.2 billion, reflecting weaker sales in the Americas, offset by strong growth in Europe followed by Asia Pacific. In Nokia Networks, sales grew by 6% to US$2.25 billion, including US$397 million in 3G dual-mode revenue recognition and reflecting strong growth in the US, partially offset by weaker sales in China.
Fourth-quarter pro forma operating profit for the Nokia group reached US$1.8 billion. Fourth-quarter pro forma operating profit for Nokia Mobile Phones rose by 13% year on year.
According to Nokia's preliminary estimates, the mobile phone market returned to growth in 2002 with overall market volumes reaching about 405 million units. This represents growth of more than 5% compared with volumes in 2001 of around 380 million units. Market volume continued to grow year on year in Europe and Asia Pacific, both rising by about 8%. Demand in the Americas is also estimated to have grown, by approximately 4%, compared with the previous year. In the fourth quarter 2002 overall mobile phone market volumes are estimated at about 117 million units. In 2003, the company expects to see total market volumes grow by 10% or slightly more.
Nokia's own mobile phone volumes reach record levels In 2002, Nokia volumes reached a record level of 152 million units, representing faster than market growth of 9%, compared with 2001. Nokia also achieved its highest ever quarterly volume of 46 million units in the fourth quarter.
Nokia Networks' accessible market contracted by around 15% during 2002, while its sales declined by 13%. This resulted in a slight market share increase for Nokia Networks in the mobile infrastructure market. Nokia says that it does not expect conditions in this industry to markedly improve during 2003, with its own accessible market expected to decrease by 5-10%.
from Cellular News
16-12-2004
Ericsson expects a return to profit soon
Ericsson has posted its seventh straight quarterly loss, of US$257 million during the last three months of 2002.
In its last report Ericsson indicated that it fourth quarter Mobile Systems sales could decline more than the overall market due to its exposure to the sharply declining TDMA and PDC markets. For 2003, the company believe that it will maintain its overall share of the mobile systems market with an increase in 3G sales partly offsetting lower sales of TDMA and PDC.
Ericsson is expecting to return to profit at some point in 2003.
"Sales of GSM/WCDMA are up sequentially for the third quarter in a row and the order intake in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) improved significantly after a weak third quarter," says Kurt Hellstr?President and CEO of Ericsson.
We improved Systems operating margins once again this quarter. Our position in GSM/WCDMA remains solid and we are encouraged by our progress in CDMA2000 with key wins in Asia and Latin America. Sony Ericsson's performance also improved in the quarter and the joint venture expects to start reporting profit during 2003."
Ericsson believes that the mobile systems market declined about 20% to an estimated US$ 42 billion during 2002. For 2003, the company says that the mobile systems market may decline by as much as 10%.
An estimated 115 million mobile phones were sold through during the fourth quarter bringing the total for the year to approximately 395 million units. This compares with Ericsson's original full-year estimate of about 390 million units and approximately 390 million in 2001. Ericsson expects that the total units sold through during 2003 will be more than 430 million units.
from Cellular News
Countries that ban cell phones while driving
This page lists those countries that have banned the use of a
cell phone when driving unless used with some form of hands-free kit.
Country
Listing (USA in separate table at the bottom)
| Country |
Banned |
Notes |
|
| Australia |
Yes |
Banned in all states - fines vary though. |
| Austria |
Yes |
Fines vary - up to US$22 per incident |
| Belgium |
Yes |
Phones can be used without a hands-free unit when the
car is stationary - but not while in traffic (such as at traffic
lights) |
| Brazil |
Yes |
Ban imposed Jan. 2001 |
| Botswana |
Being debated |
The attorney general is drafting the legislation |
| Canada |
Variable |
Banned in Newfoundland (Dec2002) fines up to US$180 |
| Chile |
Yes |
|
| Czech
Republic |
Yes |
|
| Denmark |
Yes |
Ban imposed July 1998 - US$60 fine
for infringements |
| Egypt |
Yes |
Fines of about US$100 per offence. |
| Finland |
Yes |
Ban imposed January 2003 - US$55
fine for infringements |
| France |
Yes |
No details - but several reports
that it is banned |
| Germany |
Yes |
Ban imposed Feb. 2001 - usage allowed without a
hands-free unit only when the engine is switched off. |
| Greece |
Yes |
|
| Hong Kong |
Yes |
|
| Hungary |
Yes |
Not often implemented by the police |
| India - New
Delhi |
Yes |
Ban extended to ban all use of cell
phones when driving, including use with a hands-free unit - July
2001 |
| Ireland |
Yes |
Banned, with a US$380 and/or up to 3 months
imprisonment on a third offence. Handsfree kits allowed, although
that is subject to review. |
| Isle of Man |
Yes |
Banned since July 2000 |
| Israel |
Yes |
|
| Italy |
Yes |
Fines of up to US$124 per infraction |
| Japan |
Yes |
Ban imposed Nov. 1999 |
| Jersey |
Yes |
Ban imposed Feb. 1998 |
| Jordan |
Yes |
Ban imposed Oct. 2001 |
| Kenya |
Yes |
Ban imposed late 2001 |
| Malaysia |
Yes |
|
| Netherlands |
Yes |
|
| New Zealand |
Being debated |
Under debate - consultation being sought from
interested parties |
| Norway |
Yes |
Fines of over $600 per infraction |
| Pakistan |
Partial |
Banned in Islamabad |
| Philippines |
Yes |
|
| Poland |
Yes |
Fines can be as high as US$1,000 |
| Portugal |
Yes |
|
| Romania |
Yes |
|
| Russia |
Yes |
Ban imposed by Prime Minister -
March 2001 |
| Singapore |
Yes |
|
| Slovak Republic |
Yes |
|
| Slovenia |
Yes |
|
| South Africa |
Yes |
|
| South
Korea |
Yes |
Ban imposed July 2001 - US$47 fine +
15 points on the license. |
| Spain |
Yes |
|
| Sweden |
Yes |
|
| Switzerland |
Yes |
|
| Taiwan |
Yes |
If the driver is using a reflective
screen on the car, local privacy laws forbid stopping the car for
violating the ban. |
| Thailand |
Yes |
Bill proposed in May 2000 |
| Turkey |
Yes |
|
| Turkmenistan |
Yes |
Signed into law with effect from
May 1st 2003, by President Saparmyrat Turkmenbasy |
| UK |
Yes |
Banned from December 2003 |
| Zimbabwe |
Yes |
Ban imposed in Sept
2001, announced via official news agency only though, so not
confirmed |
|
USA states
breakdown
| State |
Banned
? |
Notes |
|
| National |
Being debated |
Bills being debated in the Federal
government that will override local legislation |
|
| Alabama |
No |
|
| Alaska |
No |
|
| Arkansas |
Partial |
School bus drivers are
banned from using a cell phone. |
| Arizona |
Partial |
A bill to introduce a ban was lost by a
4-3 vote in the Senate Transportation Committee. Bus drivers are
banned from using a cell phone |
| California |
No |
Bill to introduce ban failed Feb
1998 - car rental companies required to offer guidance on cell phone
use. New study requested from Jan 2002 - but failed to move from the
Assembly Transportation Committee. |
| Colorado |
No |
Bill to introduce ban failed Jan
2000. Bill proposed to ban learner drivers, Jan 2004 |
| Connecticut |
Partial |
School bus drivers are
banned from using a cell phone. |
| Delaware |
No |
A driver can already be prosecuted
for "inattentive driving" - which can include using a cell
phone. Studies into the issue have been requested |
| District
of Columbia |
Yes |
Banned from July 2004 |
| Florida |
Partial |
State Attorney General said that
cities can set local regulations - July 2001. Overturned by Governor
Bush.. |
| Georgia |
No |
|
| Hawaii |
Being debated |
A bill has been introduced in Hawaii's
legislature by Sen. Joseph Souki, D-Wailuku-Waiehu. |
| Idaho |
No |
|
| Illinois |
No |
School bus drivers are banned - no other
laws. |
| Indiana |
No |
Ban proposed by State
Sen. Rose Antich Carr - Jan 2004 |
| Iowa |
Being debated |
|
| Kansas |
No |
Bill to introduce ban failed in 2000 |
| Kentucky |
No |
|
| Louisiana |
Being debated |
Study into the effects
of a ban underway |
| Maine |
Partial |
Minors and those on
learner driving licenses may not use a cell phone while driving |
| Maryland |
No |
Bill to ban dropped Feb. 2001. New
proposal in the House, proposed by Delegates Arnick and Mandel |
| Massachusetts |
Partial |
Bill for most users pending - but
bus drivers already banned. Drivers required to keep at least one
hand on the steering wheel while holding a phone. |
| Michigan |
No |
|
| Minnesota |
No |
|
| Mississippi |
No |
Legislation prevents local
councils enacting their own ban. |
| Missouri |
No |
|
| Montana |
No |
|
| Nebraska |
No |
Bill planned by State
Sen. Jim Cudaback - Jan 2004 |
| Nevada |
No |
State bill to introduce ban failed April
1999. Local bill in Clark County also blocked Nov. 2001. Nevada
state passed bill banning local regulations, March 2003. |
| New Hampshire |
Partial |
Not explicitly
banned, but you can be prosecuted if using a cellphone when involved
in an driving accident. |
| New Jersey |
Yes |
Banned from July 2004
- the fine is up to US$250 |
| New
Mexico |
Partial |
Being debated - local
ban in the city of Santa Fe |
| New York |
Yes |
Ban effective from Nov. 2001 |
| North
Carolina |
Being debated |
Study into the effects
of cell phone usage while driving being carried out. |
| North
Dakota |
No |
|
| Ohio |
Partial |
The City of Cleveland is discussing a ban.
Ban in place in Brooklyn. |
| Oklahoma |
No |
Bill to introduce ban failed in May
1999. Legislation prevents local councils enacting their own ban. |
| Oregon |
No |
A new bill
enacted in Jan 2002 forbids the local governments from implementing
their own cell phone ban. |
| Pennsylvania |
Partial |
Local cities have their own laws - state
legislation pending |
| Rhode Island |
No |
Governor Almond rejected a ban -
July 2001. School buses are banned from using a cell phone |
| South
Carolina |
No |
|
| South
Dakota |
No |
|
| Tennessee |
Partial |
School buses are
banned from using a cell phone |
| Texas |
No |
|
| Utah |
No |
Bill to introduce ban failed March
1998 |
| Vermont |
No |
|
| Virginia |
No |
Bill failed in Dec. 1998 - but it
only applied to school bus drivers. Passed a bill in Aug. 2001 to
look for any impact on safety by the use of a cell phone while
driving. |
| Washington |
No |
Bill to introduce ban failed Jan
2001 |
| West Virginia |
No |
Bill proposed in 1999, but never
| |
