Mobile operator Movistar Chile, the local unit of Spain's Telefónica Móviles, expects to close 2006 with 5.8 million subscribers, meaning 500,000 net adds during the year, local newspaper El Mercurio reported.
A large percentage of the new clients Movistar expects to sign would come from rival operator Smartcom, the local unit of Mexico's América Móvil (NYSE: AMX), as this company is just starting the process to migrate its networks.
"Within one year there are now three operators with GSM technology, the telephones are the same, the coverage is probably a bit different, but in general terms the technology and prices are similar. That is why, to make a difference, the battle comes with the service," the report quoted Movistar Chile CEO Oliver Flögel as saying.
Another goal for this year is to migrate over one million subscribers from CDMA technology to GSM, a process that is expected to end in June. So far the company has only been able to migrate 300,000 users.
With its 2006 investment plan of approximately US$200mn, Movistar Chile expects to close this migration period.
BNamericas.com"
Posted to the site on 14th March 2006
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/16518.php