Vimplecom capex up 25% to $ 1.04 billion in third quarter

Telecom service provider VimpleCom on Wednesday said its Capex (capital spending) rose 25 percent in the third quarter of 2013 to $1,040 million from $829 million in the same period last year.

During the first nine months of 2013, VimpleCom Capex decreased 3 percent to $2426 million from $2489 million.

VimpleCom says its Capex for the full year will be approximately 20 percent of revenue.

VimpleCom CEO Jo Lunder said the company would plan substantial investment in its mobile data networks in Russia in the final quarter.

Its capital spending in Q3 reflects the expansion of the mobile networks in Russia, Bangladesh and CIS, as well as the continued roll out of HSPA+ and backbone capacity to support data growth in Italy and acquisition of 3G license in Bangladesh.

In Italy, VimpleCom Capex reached EUR 153 million, which was invested primarily in the expansion of mobile HSPA+ coverage, capacity, and performance, as well as in the backhaul capacity to support the strong data growth.

source: www.telecomlead.com

orange seeks 3G licence for Iraqi affiliate korex

Orange is preparing for 3G at its affiliate in Irak, Korek Telecom, a regional mobile operator in which it holds a 20 percents stake. The group's executive director for Africa, the Near East and Asia, Marc Rennard, told Reuters on the margins of a conference in Cape Town that Korek signed its 5 millionth customer at the start of the month and that the operator's next step would be to obtain a 3G licence. Irak has 33 million inhabitants and a 78 percent mobile penetration rate, but only 2 percent have broadband internet access, according to analysts. Currently, most people depend on 2G mobile or on costly and unreliable fixed-line internet connectivity. Of the 3G licence, Rennard said, "This will depend on the government and regulatory authorities, but we hope that it will be in early 2014".

source: www.telecompaper.com