Entel Expects 5.5mn Subscribers by Year-end

Chilean telecoms operator Entel expects its mobile unit Entel PCS to add 500,000 subscribers in 2007 to total 5.5mn, local daily El Mercurio quoted Entel's general manager Richard Büchi as saying.

The company also expects to invest around US$300mn this year, the same as 2006, with 70% of the amount going towards handset subsidies.

Additionally the company is considering launching a big push to offer local telephony via a VoIP network and wireless internet using WiMax. The company currently focuses more on the corporate segment for its fixed line business.

Büchi also said he opposes a proposal by the country's incumbent fixed line operator Telefónica Chile to eliminate a rates ceiling. The executive said it is standard practice around the world to regulate an incumbent's rates."

Posted to the site on 24th May 2007