The main players in Australia are TLS, SGT /Optus and Vodafone. Then follows AAPT /TEL, and HTA.
With TEL holding 20% of H3GA (and HTA holding the remaining 80%), that makes TEL more than an interested party in the fortunes of HTA (via H3GA, going forward).
VOD is also interested, given the connections and network sharing arrangements in place in Europe. In Australia, Maher has previously made it clear that VOD will adopt a wait and see approach, but likely is to look more to an incremental 3G rollout to complement a shared core network.
My reason for asking the cryptic "meaning" has everything to do with the strategic planning associated with the launch of "3" in Australia.
"3" will not launch here unless, or until, launch has occurred in the UK, followed by Italy. Then Australia and Hong Kong. Previously, Hong Kong was to precede the Australian launch, but that is not such an issue now.
More importantly, however, launch in Australia must occur before 30 June otherwise there may be some clawback of the $450m paid (upfront, and accelerated) by TEL for its 20% share.
That said, some customer trials on the network in Australia are already underway, as was reported in Communications Day several days ago.
Either way, look first to Europe, then to Australia, for guidance on when Australia will go live with "3".
Now, I have to get back to work, on closing a divestment.
HTA Price at posting:
0.0¢ Sentiment: None Disclosure: Not Held
A personalised tool to help users track selected stocks. Delivering real-time notifications on price updates, announcements, and performance stats on each to help make informed investment decisions.
(20min delay)