Asia Pacific

SingTel added a net 64 million new users (+33 percent) in the year to 30 June 2009, and reported strong growth from its regional associates, according to a TeleGeography report that cites a statement from the operator.

South Korea's deployment of WiBro technology appears to have hit troubled times, with reports suggesting the country's government and presidential office are considering punishing operators for a lack of investment and could even withdraw their licenses.

Asian mobile giant SingTel reported a 7.7 percent rise in net profit to SGD945 million (US$653.2 million) in its fiscal first quarter on the back of strength at its wholly-owned subsidiaries in Singapore (SingTel) and Australia (Optus).

China Mobile expects to have as many as 80 million users on its TD-SCDMA 3G network by 2011, according to a Dow Jones Newswires report that cites comments from China's Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Li Yizhong.

Indian state-owned mobile operator BSNL will reduce the cost of its 3G services in a bid to boost uptake, reports Telegeography, citing India's Business Standard.

Dow Jones Newswires notes that China Unicom says it is in talks with Apple about selling the popular iPhone in the world's most populous country but no deal has yet been reached.

China Mobile launched its application store - Mobile Market - today, according to Dow Jones Newswires. The launch is ahead of schedule and sees the world's largest operator (by subscribers) venture into an open-access business model that allows users to download music, games, videos and other entertainment applications direct to mobile phones.