Chinese incumbent China Telecom is planning to launch an MVNO in the US.
A China Telecom Americas spokeswoman told TelecomFinance that the MVNO would launch in Q1 2012. As part of the plan, China Telecom has already conducted trials with “multiple…
Chinese incumbent China Telecom is planning to launch an MVNO in the US.
A China Telecom Americas spokeswoman told TelecomFinance that the MVNO would launch in Q1 2012. As part of the plan, China Telecom has already conducted trials with “multiple companies”, she said, but she declined to name them.
The spokeswoman also said that the company was “always looking for good opportunities for acquisitions in the Americas as we extend our reach”, although she added that there is nothing definite at this time.
Earlier this year, China Telecom said it was planning to launch an MVNO service in Europe. This would start in the UK, but could be expanded to other European countries.
Its managing director, Ou Yan, also said that it was making efforts to identify acquisition opportunities. In particular, it was hoping to close a deal with an ICT business some time next year.
A spokesman for China Telecom Europe said today that the UK/Europe MVNO launch plan in the UK and Europe “is progressing smoothly as planned” and that the planned launch date is Q1 2012.
He added that China Telecom has already identified its preferred partner and is working on logistics in preparation for the launch.
China Telecom also provides fixed, mobile and broadband services in China.
China Telecom’s move in the US comes despite the fact that other Chinese companies have struggled to break into the US market due to regulatory concerns.
In October, the US government said that Huawei would not be participating in a planned wireless network for emergency services due to “national security concerns”.
Â
