The 3G way...

Ok people, it is official that 3G licenses will be given out this year. By giving out I mean is that any MNO not willing to go the 3G route is bound to go south with a good customer base churning towards where 3G is. Attaining maximum bandwidth of over 7Mbps, 3G is the future. Just like USB and PS/2 slots, 3G has found its way into the lives of ordinary individuals. Everything will be the broadband way with information free flowing over the Internet. Imagine, you have broadband connection on the palm of your hand and can use it anywhere you are. Amazing isn't' it.

Anyway, Telenor has already announced its readiness for 3G and Warid is currently testing its 3G deployment (yes it was supposed to be confidential but nothing is hidden from The Tech Turtle).

Mobilink is finding it hard as they have legacy GSM network which needs shit loads of investment to actually take on the burden of 3G network.

What will happen to all these WiMAX services companies... honestly speaking, if the price is right, no body will care about WiMAX anymore (At least in Pakistan as knowing the people, they are always attracted towards new and shiny things).

So this is it for now... stay tuned for more!

No Deal China Mobile...Warid Says No

In the recent turn of events, Warid Board has declined to sell shares to China Mobile due to reasons unknown. The deal which had been in pipeline for last couple of months is now over. The reasons I found out through some internal sources was that China Mobile was interested in buying the infrastructure primarily and they were willing to keep key personnel as well but on the broader perspective, they wanted to let go of remaining HR. This would have been a great blow to the Dhabi Group and Warid International in particular as they had already wrapped up few of their International projects (Georgia, Ivory Coast and soon to come Congo).

So folks, now CM is eying their original prey again... Mobilink for a buy out of their Pakistan operations. Let see how it goes.

On a side note... Singtel has finally convinced Dhabi Group to sell 21% more stakes in Warid to them. Thomas, ex-COO from Singtel is rumored to be reassigned as CEO of Warid Pakistan. Now another battle begins. Btw... the entire senior mangement and board of Singtel has been present in Lahore for the past one week, trying to close the deal.