China Mobile (CHL.NYSE, 0941.HK) is looking for partners to bid for network licenses overseas as part of efforts to revive business growth, state media reported. Analysts expect China Mobile’s 2010 revenue to come in at US$73 billion, up 7% year-on-year – which would represent the slowest increase in the company’s 13-year history. Rather than looking to acquire existing operators, China Mobile is considering partnerships as a lower-risk alternative. It is also seeking opportunities to speed the adoption of its fourth-generation (4G) mobile system, known as TD-LTE. However, IHS ISuppli forecasts that Long Term Evolution, which is operated by AT&T (T.NYSE) and Verizon Wireless (VZ.NYSE, VZ.NASDAQ), will become the dominant global 4G standard over the next two years. China Mobile launched the Global TD-LTE Initiative on Monday, which will promote its rival standard. The company said that several international players will cooperate in developing TD-LTE, including Vodafone Group (VOD.NASDAQ, VOD.LSE) and Softbank (9984.TYO).
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