Ancel Expects Mobile Subscribers to Total 1.25mn in 2007

Ancel, the mobile unit of Uruguayan state-run operator Antel, expects to end 2007 with 1.25mn mobile subscribers compared to 1mn at the end of last year, the president's office said in a statement.

Mobile telephony currently represents 20% of Antel's business, according to Antel VP Edgardo Carvalho.

The executive said the company plans to launch fixed line telephone devices including some mobile telephony features in a move to boost the fixed line segment in the country.

Carvalho also said the telco expects broadband clients to reach 140,000 by the end of 2007. Antel currently has 104,000 broadband subscribers.

The company plans to invest US$90mn in 2007, up 29% compared to US$70mn in 2006. Investment will be earmarked mainly to expanding broadband infrastructure, offering new services through fixed line telephony and deploying base stations."

Posted to the site on 15th February 2007