on fire now, page-2

Hi Sensei,

As previously suggested - 3G network sharing.

However, as for the immediate catalysts, I suggest any of the following:
1)
persistent commentary suggesting that a wide-ranging 3G network sharing arrangement with TLS will shortly be announced;
2)
suggestions that this arrangement will extend further than just covering network access, etc:
- HTA to roam onto TLS network outside of 3G coverage areas, doing away with Vodafone;
- TLS to build out a further 2,000 3G base stations to give extended regional, semi-metro and larger rural coverage;
- access to shared network management; and
- new buildout to be completed at current infrastructure costs;
3)
suggestions that Ted Pretty will announce the new arrangements "next Thursday";
4)
media article in today"s The Australian (@p25);
5)
media article in yesterday's International Business Week (@p20) where Canning Fok is quoted in favourable terms on the 3G business, and where the following points were made:
- 20,000 add-ons being made per day (globally);
- new handsets are selling very well in most markets;
- increased marketing emphasis in targeted countries, including Australia;
- growing success in targeted markets, including Australia;
- spinning out the more conventional (ie: 2G) networks assets (but no mention here of Australia);
- improving market, analyst and reporter sentiment towards 3G broadly and Hutchison Whampoa (including HTA), in particular;
- increasing suggestions that despite the start-up costs, Hutchison Whampoa is now on another "winning" asset in relation to the 3G business globally.

In addition, there is likely to have sbeen several stories (including probably, today) in Communications Day.