Telus Corporation (TU) reported results for third-quarter 2009 with adjusted (excluding favorable tax related adjustments) earnings per ADS of 76 US cents (83 Canadian cents per share), missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 79 US cents. Adjusted earnings also declined from 86 US cents per ADS (89 Canadian cents per share) reported in the year-ago quarter.  Reported net income for the quarter registered C$280 million (US$209 million) or 87 Canadian cents a share (79 US cents per ADS), declining 2.1% year over year. Excluding the impact of tax-related adjustment of $14 million, net income declined 7% year over year. Telus remains challenged by the weakening Canadian economy, which is mostly affecting its wireline business.  The second largest Canadian telecom carrier reported revenues of C$2.4 billion (US$2.2 billion), down 1.6% year over year due to persistent decline in voice revenues. Consolidated EBITDA decreased 5.3% year over year ...

Telus Corp (TU), Canada’s second largest telecom carrier, has officially announced the launch date and pricing of Apple’s (AAPL) iPhone (3G and 3GS). The company will commence selling the highly popular device on Nov 5, 2009. Moreover, Telus will also unveil its new HSPA (high speed packet access) based 3G wireless networks on the same day to support the iPhone launch.  Telus will sell iPhone 3G (8GB) for $99.99 with a 3-year contract and for $599.99 without any contract. The company has priced iPhone 3GS (16 GB) at $199.99 with a 3-year contract and $699.99 without contract. The 32 GB version of iPhone 3GS will be sold for $299.99 (with contract) and $799.99 (without contract).  Canada’s largest wireless carrier Rogers Communication (RCI) has been the sole distributor of iPhone in the country since July 2008, leveraging its GSM and HSPA wireless networks. However, the ...

Mobile TeleSystems (MBT), Russia and Eastern Europe’s largest cellular operator, has reportedly acquired a 50.91% stake in Comstar-United TeleSystems (Comstar-UTS), a leading integrated telecommunication solution provider in Russia and the CIS.   The incumbent Russian telecom carrier has acquired the stake from AFK Sistema, a Russia-based financial and industrial holding company, for RUR39.15 billion (US$1.32 billion) having received all the necessary regulatory approvals for the transaction.   Comstar-UTS comprises fixed-line operator Moscow City Telephone Network (“MGTS") and STREAM-TV, a leading Russian cable TV and Internet service provider. The company holds a major share in the broadband and IPTV markets in Moscow. Comstar-UTS also offers value-added “Triple-Play" bundled (voice, Internet and pat-TV) services to its customers.    Comstar-UTS currently operates in 70 Russian cities, covering a total population of over 48 million people. At the end of first-half 2009, the company served 4.4 million fixed telephony subscribers, nearly ...

Bell Canada , the subsidiary of incumbent Canadian telecom carrier BCE Inc (BCE), and Telus Corp (TU) have reportedly inked agreements with Apple Inc (AAPL) to market iPhone (3G and 3GS) in Canada in November 2009. This will effectively end the country’s largest wireless carrier Rogers Communication’s (RCI) exclusive distribution rights to the popular handset. Since July 2008, Rogers Communication has been the sole Canadian carrier to market iPhone in the country as the device is compatible with the company’s GSM and HSPA (high speed packet access) based wireless networks. In contrast, both Telus and Bell Canada currently operates CDMA based networks which does not support the revolutionary smartphone. Rogers continues to enjoy greater share of the Canadian wireless market driven by strong customer additions on a quarterly basis, given its iPhone advantage. Bell Canada and Telus remain behind in terms subscriber growth. ...

Bell Canada, the subsidiary of incumbent Canadian telecom carrier BCE Inc. (BCE), has reportedly accelerated the deployment process of its next-generation high-speed wireless network. The Canadian operator will begin commercial launch of the much anticipated 3G high speed packet access (“HSPA") network in November, ahead of the originally scheduled launch in February 2010.     The 3G HSPA network represents an upgrade to Bell Canada’s existing CDMA based wireless network and is set to emerge as the largest HSPA network in Canada . The company has collaborated with its Canadian peer Telus Corp. (TU) for sharing the expenditures (estimated to be US$1.05 billion) related to this advancement which will support a vast range of next-generation smartphones (including iPhone). Moreover, Bell Canada has signed a North American roaming agreement with AT&T (T).   Bell Canada is expediting the HSPA network launch as the company targets to leverage ...

T-Mobile USA, the US wireless subsidiary of incumbent German telecom carrier Deutsche Telekom (DT), is set to launch a new wireless service for corporate customers today. The service integrates T-Mobile BlackBerry smartphones with Wi-Fi (wireless broadband) network. T-Mobile USA already markets similar service for residential customers.  The new corporate Wi-Fi service ties up with office PBX system and enables employees to access Wi-Fi network using their BlackBerry cellular phones in the office, which eliminates the need for wireline phones. This will offer meaningful cost savings on international long-distance calls and roaming while providing greater convenience to businesses. To avail the service, enterprises have to pay a flat monthly fee (include provision for unlimited Wi-Fi calls) in addition to the regular mobile tariffs.  T-Mobile USA is contending in an increasingly consolidating industry. Verizon (VZ) has become the number one wireless carrier in the US after its ...

German telecom carrier Deutsche Telekom (DT) and France Telecom (FTE) are merging their UK operations in a 50-50 joint venture. The companies have initiated negotiations and an agreement is likely to be signed by the end of October 2009. If and when the deal is finalized, Deutsche Telekom’s British subsidiary T-Mobile UK will combine with France Telecom’s Orange UK in a historic merger. In the proposed deal, Deutsche Telekom will contribute T-Mobile UK, including the unit’s 50% stake in the 3G wireless joint venture with Hutchison, while France Telecom will add its UK broadband Internet business along with the wireless operation. The companies are likely to retain the Orange and T-Mobile brands for now to prevent customer defection. A new brand, however, is expected within two years. The British mobile market is one of the most fiercely competitive markets in Europe. Currently, Spanish telecom ...

P.T. Telekomunikasi Tbk (TLK), the largest telecom carrier in Indonesia, is likely to launch the country’s first 4G WiMAX network in first quarter of 2010. As of now, the company provides both 2G and 3G wireless infrastructure that includes GSM and WCDMA/HSPA technologies and is quickly expanding its wireless infrastructure. TLK’s wireless division, popularly known as Telkomsel has decided to raise capital expenditure plan to $1.4 billion in fiscal 2009, an increase of 25% from previous fiscal. Telkomsel commands 45% share of the total Indonesian wireless market, well ahead of its competitors, P.T. Indosat Tbk (24%), and P.T. Excelcomindo Pratama (17%).  Through WiMAX, TLK will offer an alternative to cable and digital subscriber lines technology. WiMAX enjoys commendable growth potential especially within the emerging markets. The technology provides a low-cost, open network system with an all IP mobile Internet solution that enables efficient and scalable networks for ...

  Incumbent German telecom carrier Deutsche Telekom (DT) is evaluating the acquisition of Sprint Nextel (S), the third largest US carrier. The company has reportedly initiated discussions and may submit a bid in the coming weeks. Deutsche Telekom operates in the US through its subsidiary T-Mobile USA, which is the fourth largest US wireless carrier, with 33.5 million subscribers.   Sprint has a current market valuation of $10.8 billion with a total debt position of approximately $21 billion. In order to finance the potential multi-billion dollar deal, Deutsche Telekom may need to seek funding from its shareholders, including the German government, which holds 32% stake in the company. Deutsche Telekom is pursuing several initiatives to revive its struggling business operations across Britain and the US. The company has recently announced the merger of its British subsidiary T-Mobile UK with France Telecom’s (FTE) Orange UK ...

Telus Corp (TU), Canada’s second largest telecom carrier, has reportedly acquired Black’s Photo Corporation (Black’s), a leading imaging and digital retailer in Canada , for C$28 million (US$26 million). For nearly 80 years, Black’s has been a premier distributor of cameras, accessories, albums and printing services that are complementary to Telus’ wireless offerings.  Telus’ wireless devices will feature in Black’s nationwide retail outlets, addressing the growing demand for mobile handsets embedded with high quality photo and video capability. Telus remains the industry leader in offering the broadest assortment of smartphones in Canada. Strong smartphone adoption and the associated increase in data service usage continue to catalyze wireless data revenue growth.  Telus contends with a weakening Canadian economy and domestic competition, which would intensify with the entry of new wireless players (including Globalive Communications and Quebecor Inc) in late 2009 and early 2010. The company continues to ...