Partner Communications (Nasdaq: PTNRLSE:PCCD) has brought forward the launch of its 3G network to 2003, at the order of Hutchison Whampoa (HKSE:0013), Partner’s largest shareholder. Partner therefore recently published a tender to buy and set up a 3G network in Israel.
Until a few months ago, Partner’s business plan called for the establishment of its 3G network in 2004. However, Hutchison Whampoa told Partner that since it was a member of Hutchison’s 3G group, H3G, it was obligated to the same timetable as the group’s other companies in the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Austria, Australia and Hong Kong.
Upon being notified, Partner set up a 3G project team, headed by Partner VP technologies division Menachem Tirosh. Current IDF Signals, Electronics and Computer Corps department head Alon Berman will be his deputy. Partner VP content and media Yacov Kedmi will work two weeks a month as H3G marketer.
Nokia (NYSE:NOK), Ericsson (Nasdaq:ERICY), Nortel Networks (NYSE:NT), and a joint group comprising Siemens (NYSE:SI; XETRA:SIE) of Germany and NEC (Nasdaq:NIPNY; LSE:NEC; XETRA:NIPN) of Japan will participate in Partner's tender. Responses to the tender will be submitted by the end of November and a decision is expected by April 2003. Cellcom also plans to publish a 3G tender between Nokia, Ericsson and Nortel, and is considering bringing in other suppliers. The tender has not yet been officially published.
Partner, Cellcom and Pele-Phone are considering setting up a joint 3G network, which would require the approval of Antitrust Authority director general Dror Strum. Strum will decide whether a joint network would constitute restraint of trade only after the economic feasibility study of the joint network is completed.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on November 6, 2002