South Korea’s largest wireless carrier SK Telecom (SKM) announced plans to introduce its fixed-mobile substitution (“FMS") service. Assuming near-term approval of the service by the telecom regulator Korea Communications Commission, the company targets the commercial launch on Nov 1.   FMS refers to use of cellular handsets instead of wired or cordless landline phones for communication. This entails migration of voice minutes from fixed-line to wireless networks. FMS differs from fixed-mobile convergence, which allows users to switch between fixed-lines and mobile networks using a single dual-mode handset and two different technologies. Currently, FMS services are widely available in Europe.     SK Telecom’s FMS service allows customers to make calls within a designated area (called “Discount Zone") under the company’s network coverage. These calls will be charged at a discount rate which is the same as fixed-line VoIP (Voice-over-Inernet Protocol) service. Currently, tariffs levied on fixed-line VoIP ...

Spain’s incumbent telecom carrier Telefonica SA (TEF) has reportedly made an all-cash bid to acquire Brazilian telecom operator GVT Holding SA in an effort to expand its presence in the lucrative Brazilian telecom market. The Spanish operator’s Brazilian fixed-line subsidiary Telecomunicacoes de Sao Paulo (Telesp) has offered BRL48 (US$27.2) per share of GVT to acquire atleast 51% of the company, equating to a total investment of €2.55 billion (US$3.75 billion). This offer, which is subject to regulatory and shareholders approvals, has outbid the BRL42 (US$23.8) per share offer made by France-based media company Vivendi SA in September 2009. Telefonica targets to eventually acquire 100% stake in GVT. Large telecom carriers across the US and Europe are increasingly focused on expanding their foothold in under-penetrated markets given the limited growth prospects in their matured domestic markets. With its vast population and relatively low wireless and broadband penetration, ...

South Korea's incumbent wireless operator, SK Telecom (SKM), is set to launch T Store, the first mobile open market in Korea, on Sep 9. The upcoming on-line store will feature applications that are optimized for smartphones and other select regular handsets.

T Store will provide an open platform where content developers can sell their applications to users of mobile handsets based on the Wireless Internet Platform for Interoperability (WIPI), which allows cell phones to run applications regardless of manufacturer or carrier. Customers can download from a large assortment of multimedia content (approximately 6,500 applications), including games, phone decoration, music, broadcasting/movie and language/education that are categorized under eight main menus.

Registered content developers can sell their applications against a yearly registration fee, which is expected to be waived by the company by end of 2009 to boost developers' participation. The current revenue split is 70%/30% for the developers and SK Telecom,

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LM Ericsson Telephone Co. (ERIC) said it has been selected as one of two suppliers for AT&T Inc.'s (T) Wireline Access products and services. The deal is a major win for Ericsson's wireline business in North America. It will now provide full system solutions within AT&T's wireline access network, significantly accelerating the company's ability to bring new broadband-based products and services to market.

Ericsson will be able to firmly focus on its research and development, strengthen relationships with third-parties, streamline relevant business practices and ensure wireline access product integration to provide AT&T with the best and most innovative solutions available.

Already having approved Ericsson's GPON Fiber to the Home (FTTH) solution for general deployment, AT&T will now start integrating Ericsson's DSL portfolio for Fiber to the Node (FTTN) and IP DSLAM solutions to support its offerings like IPTV, High Speed Internet and VoIP over an all IP

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China Mobile (CHL) announced interim 2009 results today with reported net income of RMB55.3 billion (US$8.1 billion) or RMB2.72 per share, up 1.4% compared to RMB54.5 billion (US$8 billion) or RMB2.68 per share reported in the corresponding period a year-ago.

This tepid growth reflects the company's expansion to the low-income rural segment, as well as intense competition in the second-quarter 2009 that contributed to lower subscriber growth on a year-over-year basis. China Mobile reported 45% year-over-year growth in net income in the first-half 2008.

The Chinese wireless behemoth reported revenue of RMB212.9 billion (US$31.2 billion) for the period, up 8.9% year over year, partly driven by increased contribution from value-added services (28% of total revenue). EBITDA increased 5.8% year over year to RMB109.9 billion (US$16.1 billion) with EBITDA margin equating to 51.6%.

The company's value-added business, which includes SMS, Color Ring and MMS, continues to grow rapidly with revenue increasing 13.7%

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China Mobile (CHL) recently revealed its plan to invest RMB 70 billion (US$10.25 billion) over the next 3 years to build, upgrade and expand its wireless network in the rural regions of China.

Since 2004, the company has spent RMB19.5 billion (US$3 billion) to extend its network coverage into the remote villages of the country.

The largest mobile carrier in the world by subscribers has signed a pact with the country's Ministry of Agriculture to include more than 10,000 villages annually under its network coverage, enabling people in these regions to access the company's wireless services by 2012. This will translate into 98% coverage of China's rural areas by the end of the 3-year term.

Additionally, China Mobile will also promote its indigenously developed 3G technology-based services in these covered territories.

China Mobile's leadership position in the global wireless market is supported by a consistently healthy Chinese economy, increased consumer purchasing power

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For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – July 14, 2009 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: America Movil (AMX), Apple Inc (AAPL), Telefonica (TEF), Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM) and Chevron Corp. (CVX).

Get the most recent insight from Zacks Equity Research with the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5513

Here are highlights from Monday’s Analyst Blog:

America Movil Battles Movistar

America Movil (AMX), the leading provider of wireless services in Latin America, has announced its plan to launch the highly anticipated iPhone 3GS, an upgraded version of Apple Inc’s (AAPL) iPhone 3G, in six countries across central and south America by

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America Movil (AMX), the leading provider of wireless services in Latin America, has announced its plan to launch the highly anticipated iPhone 3GS, an upgraded version of Apple Inc’s (AAPL) iPhone 3G, in six countries across central and south America by July 31, 2009. The company will initially commercialize the new device in Mexico, Columbia, Guatemala, El Salvador, Uruguay and the Dominican Republic, which will be followed by expansion to other markets under its coverage universe. The latest iPhone model offers superior features and functionality compared to the iPhone 3G, including faster processor speed, improved battery life and a better camera. Through its largest subsidiary Telcel, America Movil currently dominates the Mexican wireless market facilitated by its well-known brand, extensive distribution network, nationwide coverage and the country’s benign regulatory environment. The company’s share of the Mexican wireless market was nearly 71% in 2008, with 65% ...

One of our most reliable indicators about emerging markets shows that investors may have a real slog ahead of them in the coming years. In the past, we’ve used cell-phone sales in growing economies as means of measuring the prospects for investments. Cell phones show how much disposable income is available, in addition to reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit that creates a healthy middle class.

These countries whose communications systems have suffered from decades of neglect and under-investment could never match the needs of a fast-growing economy. So rather than wait for the government to lay cables, consumers instead opt for instant communications via cell phones.

Now a new report from market-research firm Gartner, Inc. says that cell-phone sales in emerging markets will hit a wall. Investors should take this information to mean that these markets will continue to be soft through 2009.

In Q3 2008, about 309 million mobile phones were sold world-wide,

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Rogers Communications Inc.’s (RCI) wireless operations are well positioned with the biggest share (37%) of the attractive Canadian market. Wireless penetration in Canada is just about 60% compared with 70% in the mature U.S. market, providing significant growth opportunities. The company’s cable operations are growing rapidly, fueled by its "triple play" packages -- cable, telephony and Internet data services.

As the only Canadian carrier using GSM the technology used all across Europe and in many other countries Rogers is uniquely positioned to capture roaming revenue from foreign visitors. We estimate that international roamers contribute about 10% of Rogers wireless revenue.

The company, on July 11, 2008, launched Apple's (AAPL) iPhone in Canada. It is anticipated that iPhone subscribers would subscribe to both voice and data service plans. In turn, we expect wireless’ average revenue per user (ARPU) levels to be positively impacted. Moreover, the company has implemented a number

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